Join the conversation about the Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area!

US Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) is poised to introduce a bill to establish the Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area, protecting over 210,000 acres of public lands. Salazar has included over 12,500 acres known as Dominguez North Special Managment Area. The inclusion of this area is supported by WCC and other conservation groups as well as 90 local businesses. However, an off-highway vehicle group wants the area to remain open to them and are pressuring Salazar to remove it from the bill.

Salazar needs to hear from you! Send him an email or call his Grand Junction office at (970) 241-6631. If you need some help with your message, see the Talking Points below.

You can also help us protect Dominguez Canyons by making a donation now!

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Talking Points

Please mention some of the points below, but also write what you consider are the most valuable qualities of this area and of your own personal experiences if you've been there. Please remember to use your own words.

• Dominguez North Special Management Area has the support of the broad local community along with support from the Colorado Mule Deer Association, the conservation community and 90 local businesses.
• Dominguez North deserves protection - approximately 70% of the land in Mesa County is federal land with very little (under 5%) protected from off-highway vehicle use.
• Dominguez North is important for wildlife habitat, cultural resources and quiet recreation.
• Mesa County has only one other Wilderness area on the west end of the County. Now is the time to protect these lands for future generations.
• Specifically mention Dominguez North Special Management Area -- Keep this in the proposed legislation!

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To learn more or get involved contact Andy Whipple at (970) 256-7650.

Dominguez Proposal Click here for a larger version of this map of the Greater Dominguez Canyons.