Ouray, known for its artificial ice park, faces climate threats to its water supply. In response, a silver mine has offered to lease water rights for just $1 annually, providing much-needed resources for ice formation. This partnership aims to secure the park’s future, supporting local tourism and economy while enhancing community relations with the mining industry.
Ouray, located at an altitude of 2,400 meters in the Rockies, is regarded as an ice-climbing paradise due to its renowned artificial ice park. Over three decades, the village has relied on piping in water from a nearby gorge to create climbing routes, transforming it into a global destination for ice climbers. Mountain guide Clint Cook praises its draw, stating it attracts numerous climbers to one location.
However, a prolonged drought threatened to deplete this vital water source just as visitor numbers surged. Local climbers began to worry, prompting Cook to recount how the community would limit water usage to preserve supplies for ice-making. Fortunately, an innovative solution emerged when Ouray Silver Mines offered to lease extensive water rights to the ice park for an annual fee of just $1.
This anticipated resource influx could furnish the ice park with three to five times more water than previously available, securing its future. Peter O’Neil, of the Ouray Ice Park nonprofit, emphasizes this partnership alleviates reliance on city water tanks, preserving the park’s viability for future climbers and local businesses that thrive on winter tourism.
The significance of the ice park extends beyond just adventure; it is crucial for Ouray’s economy, transforming the town into a vibrant tourist hub rather than a seasonal ghost town. Without the ice park, many local hotels and motels would shut down, impacting the village of roughly 900 residents.
This partnership between the mining industry and the ice park highlights a Renaissance for silver mining, driven by the demand for solar panels and other technologies. Brian Briggs, former CEO of Ouray Silver Mines, underscored the collaborative spirit of this endeavor. Recognizing the historical tension between the mining industry and community sentiment, Briggs’s initiative aimed to foster goodwill.
By committing to provide water for recreational use, he sought to enhance the community’s perception of the mining industry, as many view such operations negatively. Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, which complicates ice formation through rising temperatures, the partnership stands as a proactive response to environmental challenges.
Optimal ice conditions require temperatures below -7°C (19°F), making access to water critical during specific weather patterns. This strategic deal is a significant boost for the local economy, with climbers injecting approximately $18 million annually into the area. Users like Jen Brinkley, a frequent visitor, express excitement for a sustainable future, envisioning better climbing experiences with increased ice routes.
The partnership between Ouray’s ice park and the nearby silver mine represents a crucial response to climate change challenges threatening both recreation and local economies. By securing vital water rights, this collaboration not only sustains the iconic ice-climbing destination but also supports the town’s economic viability during winter. As community and industry come together, it showcases a proactive model for managing local resources amidst environmental uncertainties. This alliance hints at a hopeful future where recreation and industry can coexist beneficially.
Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com
