Breaking News: BLM Approves Original Artistic Vision for OTR
November 7th, 2011 — OTR Project Team Update
There has been an exciting new development regarding Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Over The River. The Bureau of Land Management has issued the Record of Decision (ROD) approving the artists’ original vision for this proposed temporary work of art along the Arkansas River in Colorado.
This is the first time that a work of art has undergone the comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement review process. The following news releases from Christo and the Department of the Interior announce this historic decision.
BLM Issues Record of Decision for Over The River
Comprehensive Federal Environmental Review now Complete
OTR News Release — November 7, 2011
DENVER – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today issued the Record of Decision (ROD) on Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s proposed temporary work of art, Over The River, following the earlier issuance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in July. The ROD gives final approval to the artists’ original vision to suspend 5.9 miles of fabric panels in eight separate areas along a 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas River in southern Colorado. It also identifies over 100 measures to mitigate impacts identified in the EIS, including traffic, safety, wildlife and others. The ROD is the final step in the comprehensive environmental review process that the BLM began in February of 2009.
“This is the most significant milestone yet in completing Over The River,” said Christo, “and we can now get to work applying for the few remaining permits that we still need. We are much closer to finally realizing this work of art that Jeanne-Claude and I first envisioned many years ago. Although our team is still reviewing the ROD, I am confident that we can now move forward so we begin construction in the summer of 2012.”
Click here to read the complete Over The River news release / Downloadable images available in the Over The River Press Room
Salazar Announces Final Approval for Christo’s Over The River Art Installation in Colorado
Bureau of Land Management Issues Record of Decision
Department of the Interior News Release — November 7, 2011
WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior today announced that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office has released the Record of Decision (ROD) approving the Over The River TM (OTR) temporary art installation. The project, proposed by the artist Christo, will include suspending eight fabric panel segments totaling 5.9 miles within a 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas River in Colorado.
“After careful consideration of the potential impact to the Arkansas River and the wildlife and plants that inhabit this beautiful area, we believe that steps have been taken to mitigate the environmental effects of this one-of-a-kind project,” said Secretary Salazar. “Drawing visitors to Colorado to see this work will support jobs in the tourism industry and bring attention to the tremendous outdoor recreation opportunities in this area.”
Click here to read the complete Department of the Interior news release