Date submitted (Mountain Standard Time): 6/30/2020 8:16:31 AM
First name: Kerry
Last name: Donovan
Organization: State of Colorado
Title: Senator
Comments:
Marcia Gilles, Acting District Ranger
White River National Forest
PO Box 190, Minturn, CO 81645
Dear Acting District Ranger Gilles,
The geotechnical investigation on Whitney Creek is a preliminary step to build a reservoir in Homestake Valley.
I, on behalf of the seven counties I represent, oppose this larger project, which would destroy wetlands, high
altitude fens, would eventually remove nearly 500 acres from the Holy Cross Wilderness, and would
significantly deplete the Eagle River watershed. Individually, each item listed would be grounds to not proceed
but together it is unfathomable that the Forest Service would proceed with this investigation.
Wilderness areas are, by definition, citizen lead initiatives. To dishonor their work by proceeding with this
process is not in line with the Forest Service mission nor the boots-on-the-ground mentality of the Rangers
across the White River National Forest area.
Additionally, there is strong bipartisan support across the Western Slope, and upper basin counties, to prevent
any additional water divisions. With drought conditions becoming the new normal, Lower Basin States meeting
to determine how the Colorado River Basin can be managed in their favor, and buy-and-dry practices gaining
momentum across the Western Slope, it is imperative we protect high altitude water resources and keep each
drop in the basin it was born in.
I cannot express how sternly the citizens of my district oppose water diversion projects to front range
communities. And of course, the history around Homestake water division projects should not be ignored. Now
and in the future, this type of action brings people together in opposition.
Our Wilderness areas are afforded the highest level of protection and to begin action that disturbs them today,
begins a process of destroying them forever, and disrespects the citizen lead efforts of the past is undemocratic
and disregards the majority opinion of people across Colorado. Proceeding with this investigation is an afront to
the Keep it Public movement.
I, on behalf of the people of Senate District 5, strongly urge you not to categorically exclude this project from
NEPA analysis.
Respectfully,
Kerry Donovan
State Senator
Senate District 5