Take Action! Help Stop Proposed Gravel Pit at Confluence of Eagle and Colorado Rivers (CO)

Another gravel pit is proposed at the confluence of the Colorado and Eagle Rivers. In 2016, the Town of Gypsum previously denied an earlier permit for the development of the Coyote Pit gravel mine and asphalt plant. In 2019, Rincon Partners, LLC submitted an application to Eagle County for a new special use permit to mine gravel along a mile of the Colorado River. The Dotsero Area Community Plan, adopted in 2012, designates this property as “Rural Agricultural” and “Outlying Service Commercial,” with a “Potential Community Center.” Since the proposed project does not align with the plan, the project owners also must request an exception to the Dotsero Plan. The Planning Commission is meeting this Wednesday for a hearing on both permits. Use this easy-action template below to tell the County Commission to follow the advice of their staff and deny the Rincon Materials permits. Follow Save the Confluence for more information and talking points.

The proposed mine is adjacent to the Dotsero Landing boat ramp. In 2011, Eagle County Open Space program stepped in and purchased the site to maintain Colorado River access. By protecting that public river access, the County invested in the outdoor recreation economy that has been steadily growing since. Eagle County has worked over years with the BLM to obtain and improve river access along the Colorado River Road, a Colorado Scenic Byway. Their dedication to river recreation has helped to distribute the heavy use on the Upper Colorado throughout the reach and lessen impacts and crowding at recreation sites. This project would diminish the scenery, air quality, wildlife, and overall experience of boaters, motorists, and recreationists of all types.

Rincon Materials gravel mine does not meet the criteria for making an exception to the Dotsero Community Plan. It would diminish the value and impacts of other efforts of the county to protect the environment and provide sustainable recreation opportunities. The mining would last ten years but forever leave a noticeable impact despite a two year reclamation plan. American Whitewater believes this project is not in the interest of residents or visitors to Eagle County and the Colorado or Eagle Rivers. Please let the Commissioners know how damaging this project would be to our community using our easy-action form below.

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I am writing to you today to comment on the Special Use Permit and Dotsero Plan Exception applications of the gravel mine proposed by Rincon Materials on the Colorado River. I appreciate and support your staff’s recommendation to deny both the permits.

The proposed mine is adjacent to Dotsero Landing, the site that, in 2011, Eagle County Open Space program stepped in and purchased to maintain Colorado River access. This was vital in distributing the heavy use on the Upper Colorado throughout the reach and lessen impacts and crowding at recreation sites. This project would diminish the scenery, air quality, wildlife, and overall experience of boaters, motorists, and recreationists of all types at a site the county has taken great strides to protect into perpetuity. It is located at the Gateway to the Upper Colorado Recreation Area, a place where residents and visitors alike go to enjoy the beauty of the river and its watershed. It would be a disgrace for the county to approve of this short-lived, high-impact, and unnecessary project.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, [Your information here]