By Sean Pond | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The views expressed here are my own and do not represent an official action or position of the Montrose Board of County Commissioners.
I was appointed to represent the people of District 3 in Montrose County, and I took an oath to uphold the Constitution. That includes defending our land, our rights, and our way of life here in Western Colorado.
In recent months, there’s been a coordinated push to place more of Colorado under federal control. We already fought back against the proposed Dolores National Monument, a 500,000-acre land grab, and we won.
Then came a 68,000 acre National Conservation Area proposal in Mesa and Montrose Counties. We stood our ground again and stopped it.
But now we’re facing two more massive federal designations.
The GORP Act
The Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act, introduced by Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and co-sponsored by Congressman Jeff Hurd, proposes more than 730,000 acres of new federal wilderness, special management zones, and conservation areas.
It impacts Gunnison, Delta, Ouray, Hinsdale, Saguache, and Pitkin Counties, and it will restrict oil and gas, mining, timber, and public access for generations.
Montrose County may not be inside the boundary, but we’re a downstream county. Our grazing, our water supply, our timber flow, and our economic stability depend on responsible multi use management across county lines.
These designations will have real consequences for ranchers, farmers, energy workers, and the tax base that supports local government and schools.
It doesn’t stop there. GORP would also restrict off-road access, including ATV and side by side travel, both of which are part of everyday life in Western Colorado. Motorized use on roads and trails would be banned in many areas, cutting off access not just for ranchers and hunters, but for families and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on these lands for recreation.
It could limit or even prohibit certain types of hunting and fishing, depending on the zone.
That means it doesn’t just hurt industry. It hits outfitters, guides, local shops, tourism, and the entire outdoor economy. This bill threatens the very people who rely on access to these lands, not just to make a living, but to live free.
It also undercuts wildfire mitigation.
These designations make it harder for counties and local agencies to thin fuel loads, clear access routes, or perform controlled burns. Restricting motorized access and forest management doesn’t protect land, it turns it into a tinderbox. And once the fire starts, it’s too late.
The Dolores River NCA
The second threat is the proposed Dolores River National Conservation Area, covering about 52,872 acres in Montezuma, Dolores, and San Miguel Counties. Like GORP, it may sound reasonable, but it’s a permanent restriction on access, use, and future opportunity.
We’ve seen this playbook before. Shut it down, fence it off, and leave rural families with fewer options and less voice.
Why This Keeps Happening
Congressman Jeff Hurd is a strong conservative voice. He stands firm on the Second Amendment and supports keeping public land open for multi use. Just look at the legislation he’s sponsored or co sponsored.
In this case, I believe he supported GORP based on what he was told by commissioners in the region, thinking it reflected the voice of local constituents. But it doesn’t.
Environmental activists have been playing the long game. In places like Montezuma, Dolores, and San Miguel Counties, they’ve been pushing for a designation like this for over 15 years.
They show up consistently. They never quit. And eventually, people get worn down. They just want the pressure to stop, so someone gives in.
But that’s not a win. That’s surrender.
They also make false promises. They say if you give them an NCA, they won’t push for a national monument. That’s not true.
The President can declare a monument at any time. Congress can override any agreement. These so-called compromises are just bait.
And here’s the real problem. Republican voter turnout in many of these counties is embarrassingly low. People are frustrated. They’re tired of politics. So they stop showing up.
That’s exactly how the activists win. They’re organized. They show up. And they get their people into positions of influence, school boards, county commissions, water boards, co-ops, chambers of commerce.
A lot of the commissioners supporting these proposals aren’t from here. They don’t represent the ranchers, the miners, or the folks who built these communities. They’re just the ones who showed up when no one else did.
Congressman Hurd Is Listening
Jeff Hurd is a friend. He answers the phone when I call, and I do the same. We’ve had honest conversations. We don’t always agree, but we work well together. I’ve spoken to him about this, and I can promise you, he’s listening.
Jeff hasn’t done anything wrong. He acted based on what he thought was local support.
Now it’s up to the people of Western Colorado to speak up and tell him the truth. He’s listening. Let him hear from you.
It’s Time to Get Involved
If you don’t get involved, we’re going to lose the last free and wild place in Colorado.
Get off the tractor. Step out of the shop. Bring your kids. Run for school board. Volunteer for the water board. Show up to meetings.
If we don’t start showing up, we’re going to get boxed out of our own state.
The Rocky Mountain Heist is real. The blueprint to flip Colorado is in full swing. And Western Colorado is next if we don’t fight back.
My Stand
As one County Commissioner, I’m drawing the line. I oppose GORP. I oppose the Dolores River NCA. I oppose any federal designation that locks up land, shuts out industry, and silences local voices.
This is our land. These are our values. And we’re not giving them up.
Take Action
If you care about this place, speak up. Contact your representatives.
Rep. Jeff Hurd
Phone: (202) 225-4761, Email: [email protected]
Sen. Michael Bennet
Phone: (202) 224-5852, Email: [email protected]
Sen. John Hickenlooper
Phone: (202) 224-5941, Email: [email protected]
Don’t wait. Don’t assume someone else will do it. If you want to save Colorado, this is your moment.
Sean Pond serves as Montrose County Commissioner for District 3. Appointed in February 2025 after the passing of Commissioner Rick Dunlap, Pond is the first West End resident to hold the seat in over 20 years. A Nucla native and leader of the ‘Halt the Dolores’ initiative, he brings a strong focus on local collaboration, economic resilience, and protecting the region’s way of life. He and his wife are proud parents of five and grandparents of seven. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him outdoors—hiking, fishing, or hunting.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.