ROCC Accomplishments

  • Received State of Colorado Governor’s Award for Outstanding Efforts in Smart Growth & Development in 1998
  • Helped organize the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, dedicated to the cleanup of abandoned mine sites and monitoring the water quality in the river
  • Through persistent efforts of ROCC’s Dark Sky Committee and a receptive town council, Ridgway earned certification as a dark sky community from the International Dark-Sky Association, the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide.
  • Worked to get Top of the Pines designated as an International Dark-Sky Park
  • Fought to preserve ranching-friendly zoning
  • Supported public acquisition of mining properties and preservation of historic structures
  • When property owners sued the County, demanding to plow historically unplowed upper County Road 5, we were at risk of losing a beloved winter recreation resource. ROCC spearheaded the public opposition. Result – the owners built (and paid for) a parallel trail so skiers and snowshoers can continue to enjoy this spectacular area. ROCC continues the fight, however, for the public’s right to use the road the same as the owners.
  • Organized and provided volunteer labor and some funds for the placement of LED bulbs in Ridgway Schools and all public buildings in Ouray and Ridgway
  • Led the drive for curbside recycling in Ridgway
  • Actively involved in creation of responsible federal lands management policies
  • Worked on the creation of Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
  • Mounted a successful campaign to prevent excessive residential development on high alpine zone mining claims
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View of high alpine from McMillan Peak
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Miller Mesa Receational Trail (County Road 5)