Vail Resorts has established itself as an example of greed,
misused power and an uncanny ability have its way regardless of wildlife
consequences. This is nothing new. The late outdoors and ski columnist for The
Denver Post, Charlie Meyers, was a very courageous editorialist. He dared to
take on Vail Resorts decades ago as it continued to build, develop and reduce
wildlife numbers at an alarming rate. Recalling one of Charlie’s columns, “If
you believe as I do that the mountains are sacred …” He would call out Vail.
The spins and propaganda regarding Vail’s environmental stewardship are
laughable. Their claims insult our intelligence. And now comes the likely end
of wild sheep in the Vail Valley at the hands of this company.
With a history of wildlife destruction covering decades,
this is too much. Whether for workforce housing or for profit development, why
not do the right thing for once, Vail? Build elsewhere. Bighorns are native to
Colorado and to be treasured by all. They can withstand many forces of nature,
but range destruction is their death knell.
One votes with one’s wallet. I am in a position to vote. On
my desk is a list of convention centers considered for future events. I consult
on this. These conventions can see attendance of 500-1,000 people. One venue
candidate on my list is Keystone which is owned by Vail Resorts. Consider
Keystone stricken as it now has a selection chance similar to that of a wild
sheep in the Vail Valley. The million bucks or so in revenue per event that
Vail will not see is probably a drop in the bucket to them, but it’s a start.
No one has the right to wipe out the last herd of bighorns
in this valley. It is unconscionable.