Ouray Ice Park Secures Future Through Unlikely Alliance with Silver Mine

Ouray, Colorado, famed for its ice climbing, faces water shortages due to climate change but has found support from Ouray Silver Mines, which will provide water rights for $1. This partnership ensures the park’s future, vital for local tourism and businesses, while addressing community concerns about mining effects.

Ouray, located in Colorado’s Rockies, has long been celebrated as a premier destination for ice climbing enthusiasts, specifically due to its renowned artificial ice park. For three decades, this village has relied on piped water from a nearby gorge to create climbing routes that attract visitors worldwide. However, persistent droughts have threatened this water source, causing concern for local businesses that depend on winter tourism.

The dire water situation is expected to improve significantly with the recent partnership between Ouray Ice Park and Ouray Silver Mines. The mine has generously offered the lease of rights to millions of liters of water annually for only $1, which Peter O’Neil, the park’s executive director, states will enhance water availability for ice formation, thereby benefiting climbers and the local economy.

The winter ice park is crucial not only for climbers but also for sustaining local businesses, with O’Neil emphasizing that without the ice park, Ouray would likely transform into a “ghost town.” Historically, the village, established during the 19th-century Colorado Silver Rush, has seen fluctuations in the mining industry, but renewed demand for silver has sparked a resurgence in its operations.

Brian Briggs, the former CEO of Ouray Silver Mines who facilitated the water-rights transfer, views this collaboration as mutually beneficial, aimed at fostering goodwill towards the mining industry. Recognizing that his operations could help mitigate community concerns about industrial development, Briggs is hopeful that this partnership will contribute positively to the local economy and the ice park’s longevity.

The ongoing impacts of climate change present significant challenges, particularly for maintaining suitable ice-making conditions. Ideal temperatures for ice formation require days of consistent sub-zero conditions, underscoring the importance of reliable water access. Visitors, such as Jen Brinkley, are optimistic that the secured water supply will enhance climbing experiences and opportunities at the park, ensuring its future and economic contributions for years to come.

The partnership between Ouray Ice Park and Ouray Silver Mines presents a promising solution to the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity in the region. By securing access to increased water supplies, this collaboration ensures the sustainability of the ice park and supports local economies dependent on tourism, thereby fostering a mutually beneficial relationship in the community.

Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com