with some of the most spectacular scenery in the united states the alpine triangle is 186, 000 acres of high altitude resource rich public land in the san juan mountains of southwest colorado. citizen groups there are purposing this as an addition to america’s national conservation lands. this new designation would put a moratorium on future mineral extraction and would result in the allocation of additional resources to better manage increased visitation for recreation.

“what we’re pushing for and suggesting is kind of a leave-it-as-it-policy,” said paul joyce of the alpine triangle coalition. “we don’t want to change a lot about the alpine triangle. we just don’t want a lot to change about it in the future.”

but some local residents are apprehensive about closing public land to future mining. while others worry that a conservation land designation might negatively impact tourism.