Colorado Springs conservationists call on president to create Grand Canyon monument

Elected officials joined Colorado Springs conservationists Wednesday in calling for President Obama to create the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument.

Fifty local business owners and college professors signed a letter making that plea, noting that the Colorado River is a lifeline for the West that must be kept free of toxic substances from uranium mining.

The protection for the Grand Canyon, one of the seven wonders of the world, is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., who has fought for years to end the uranium mining near Grand Canyon National Park.

The proposed monument would encompass 1.7 million acres of land around that park, protecting the Colorado River watershed and ancient, sacred Indian burial grounds and archaeological sites.

Read more: http://gazette.com/colorado-springs-conservationists-call-on-president-to-create-grand-canyon-monument/article/1592336