Reflecting on the 47 year fight to Save Red Lady

I am Red Lady #11. This means that back in 1988, I was already into my eleventh year of devotion to keeping Red Lady mine-free. I never thought it would take this long, but always believed we’d be triumphant in this David v. Goliath battle.

Whether climbing/skiing Red Lady or just seeing her from my window, this iconic mountain has always been superimposed on and embedded into my life. Her presence and meaning to our community cannot be exaggerated. Red Lady embodies the beauty around us, and empowers us to protect her from forces that would greatly impact her essence and ours.

One of my earliest memories is of the day in August, 1981, that we (about 50 people) climbed Red Lady to celebrate the announced departure of Amax, the mining company that had threatened our mountain valleys for four years.We summited, and were astonished to see a helicopter flying overhead. The Denver 7 helicopter landed on the narrow peak, bringing our Mayor Mitchell, in his wheelchair, to the celebration. Mitchell had been instrumental in our“win” that year, and having him appear elevated our jubilation. Little did we know that there would be several other mining attempts to follow over the ensuing decades. Each one was met by our determined resistance, bringing us ever-closer to successful closure on this long-fought battle.

As we celebrate the achievement of the 20-year mineral withdrawal and await the completion of the land exchange process, the meaning of Red Lady in my life cannot be overstated. We couldn’t be at this “almost” point without solidarity among our Town, County, US Senators, state and federal agencies, and even the current mining company. It’s been a personally fulfilling and rewarding journey for me. I will always know that every bit of my own effort over the last half-century has been well worth it!

— Sue Navy, HCCA’s Board President

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