KMOHR (Keep Missouri Heights Rural) is currently supporting both Eagle and Garfield Counties in taking resolute stand against the proposed sale of federal lands that are the lifeblood of our communities. This initiative reflects our core mission: to preserve the rural character, sustainability, safety, and quality of life in Missouri Heights and the surrounding region.

Here's why this fight is so critical:

Protecting Our Western Heritage and Way of Life

The public lands in and around Eagle and Garfield Counties are not just empty spaces on a map; they are the heart of our Western heritage. They are where we hike, fish, camp, and ride. They are the foundation of our ranching families, who have worked this land for generations. The proposed sale of millions of acres of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" threatens to erase this heritage, replacing open landscapes with unchecked development.

Safeguarding Our Local Economy

The outdoor recreation economy is a powerhouse for Colorado, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting thousands of jobs. Our public lands are the engine of this economy. Selling them to the highest bidder would be a devastating blow to our local businesses, from outdoor guides and outfitters to restaurants and hotels. It would also jeopardize the viability of our local ranches, many of which rely on federal grazing permits to sustain their operations.

Defending Our Environment

These public lands provide essential environmental benefits. They are critical watersheds, providing clean water to our communities in an arid climate. They are vital wildlife habitats, supporting the diverse species that make this area so special. And they are a crucial buffer against the increasing threat of wildfire. Unbridled development would strain our already limited water resources, fragment wildlife corridors, and increase the risk of catastrophic fires.

A Deceptive Solution to the Housing Crisis

While the proposed land sale is being touted as a solution to the affordable housing crisis, the details of the legislation tell a different story. The requirement that the land be used for housing sunsets after just ten years, opening the door to any type of development. We believe this would lead not to affordable homes for our workforce, but to more luxury developments and second homes for the wealthy, further exacerbating the very problem it claims to solve.

Standing for Local Control

The decision to sell off our public lands is being made in Washington, D.C., with little regard for the voices of the people who live, work, and recreate here. This is a top-down mandate that ignores the unique character and needs of our communities. By working with Eagle and Garfield Counties, we are sending a clear message: our public lands are not for sale. They are a public trust, to be managed for the benefit of all Americans, now and in the future.

KMOHR is committed to this fight. We will continue to support our local government partners, our elected officials, and our community members to oppose this reckless and shortsighted proposal. We urge you to join us in this effort to protect the public lands that define our home.