Colorado State Parks Board Approves Agreement for the Over the River Project
June 24th, 2011
Colorado State Parks News Release
EAGLE, Colo. – The Colorado State Parks Board Friday approved an agreement with the artists Christo and the late Jeanne-Claude, and the Over the River Corporation for the construction, display and removal of approximately 5.9 miles of fabric panels suspended above the Arkansas River in selected areas within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA).
The fabric panels would be installed along a 42-mile stretch of river between the towns of Salida and Canon City and displayed for approximately two weeks in August of 2014.
“In any project of this magnitude, there will be benefits as well as potential adverse impacts,” said Gary Butterworth, the Colorado State Parks Board Chairman. “In taking action today, the board believes that the benefits of the Over the River project, not only to the state park system but to all of Colorado, will enhance our ability to serve the needs of all residents and encourage outdoor recreation.”
The Colorado State Parks Board voted unanimously to approve the memorandum of agreement with the Over the River Corporation. The board approval is subject to the Bureau of Land Management’s final approval of the project.
“This board takes its responsibilities seriously and is deliberative in its decision- making process,” Butterworth said. “Each member, in his or her own way, invests a great deal of time considering the views of the public, the staff, anglers, river outfitters and other key stakeholders who could be impacted by this project.”
The AHRA is managed through a cooperative effort between Colorado State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management. Formed in 1989, this partnership allows agencies to provide visitors with recreation opportunities and care for significant natural resources of the Upper Arkansas River Valley.
“For those who may be adversely impacted, we have a record of continuing to partner and listen to constituents, and working to address those concerns,” Butterworth said.