November 2009 Archives

The ski area has been proposing to expand onto Snodgrass Mountain for 30+ years. Originally the proposal was turned down, but the USFS replaced the decision-maker and reversed the decision, an action that led to an investigation into undue influence. The expansion did receive approval, but CBMR did not move forward on it. In the ’90s as part of proposed improvements on the main mountain, CBMR submitted expansion plans. Those plans were controversial and were withdrawn in order to allow the other improvements to proceed. The USFS has invested a lot of time over the years in considering a Snodgrass expansion. Consequently before initiating a NEPA review of a new proposal, the USFS asked for CBMR to show strong public support of well thought out plans. On November 5th the USFS turned down CBMR’s request to initiate NEPA.

Snodgrass has long been an issue for the RMBL. Most scientists and students who have spent a summer in Gothic oppose it on a personal level. However, rather than opposing the expansion (we have had no official position) the Lab has been careful to identify a proactive vision for the valley. The ski resort expansion might make it difficult for us, but if issues such as transportation and land management were dealt with, it could be a net plus.

Many members of the community are upset by the USFS decision. There have been threats to boycott businesses and organizations that fail to support the expansion, including presumably the RMBL. The Gunnison Times ran a letter to the editor suggesting the skunk cabbage fields around Gothic be plowed for motorcross courses and that “no-growthers” be tarred and feathered. It’s sad to see the discussion to sink to such low levels. I doubt a campaign of intimidation will convince the USFS that CBMR has broad public support, nor does it create a compelling case that the issue is not divisive. Everybody, the RMBL and CBMR, benefits from a strong community that can agree and disagree in interesting and constructive ways. I hope that emotions will fade and the discussion will turn positive. Otherwise, we will all lose.

Jennie and I hosted a luncheon this Wednesday for people who volunteer the Lab. We had about 30 people show up, representing a wide range of people, from Nic Easley, who works in the dining hall and helps with the kid’s program, to Ron Meyer, who started working as a doctor in Gunnison County in the 50’s and has been critical to the success of the Lab’s Breeding Bird Survey. I expressed special appreciation to Lou Beckman, who helps organize the 4th of July race, and Maureen Hall, who also helps with the 4th of July race and many of our mailings. I gave a big shout out to Kevin Donovan—he’s been responsible for building and renovating many of the Lab’s cabins, including the recent Barclay renovation. He always helps out when we have our historic preservation dinner by giving tours and talking about our projects. I also thanked John Norton for the annual evening he and Robin have been hosting in their home up Cement Creek to introduce more people to the RMBL.

Finally, I honored Beverly and Bailie Griffith, with special thanks to Beverly. They have hosted and co-hosted events for the RMBL and held innumerable dinners to introduce friends to the RMBL and RMBL scientists. Beverly speaks very eloquently about the value of the Lab and I’ve seen a number of scientists get excited by seeing Gothic reflected in her eyes.

I am a big believer that our happiness is determined by our commitment to, and engagement with, family, friends, and community. The RMBL exists because generations of scientists, students, family, and friends have made it happen. The RMBL is a special place because of the commitments of those individuals. Just as importantly, the lives of numerous people have been enriched because of their participation in the RMBL community. These fall luncheons are special to me because it is clear that the community of individuals who can both contribute to the RMBL, and benefit from being part of our community, is growing beyond just the students and scientists. It now includes people who discover and experience the Lab in a multitude of ways. Thanks to everybody who contributes time and resources!