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Friday letters: Not learning to ski, library board appointment, wolves and Dakota Access Pipeline

How not to learn to ski

This letter is in response to the front page article by two Aspen Times reporters that was published in the Post Independent on Dec. 9, that should have been titled “How not to learn to ski.” The sole redeeming feature was the choice of family-friendly, beginner-friendly Sunlight Mountain Resort.

First off, find a flat area clear of obstacles, as a place to walk around with these ungainly appendages. Find a mound, preferably with a flat top and with an obstacle-free runout, ideally ending in an uphill. In many first-timer ski classes, some of the skiers never fall. The instructor will discuss how to fall and will give a pseudo-demonstration, but no practicing. Do practice getting up. The Aspen Times reporter fell many times… not smart. 

The modern ski binding is a marvel at releasing, but… explain what to expect when getting on and off a chairlift. Watch skiers loading. Loudly address the ski-lift operator with a “never-ever.” Pick the correct trail for beginners, not the one chosen by the Aspen Times male. Skiing, unfortunately, is a non-intuitive sport. Other sports tend to incorporate kicking, swinging, throwing, running, flailing and even bodily contact. Skiing must be learned, and from someone who has been taught how to convey these non-instinctive movements.



Even the final sentence is out of kilter. It is not the “Ajax Gondola.” It is the Aspen Mountain Gondola. I can agree on one point, though, skiing is fun.

Barney Mulligan, Glenwood Springs



A wrong choice for the library board

It is deeply disheartening to see the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appoint far-right conspiracy theorist and outspoken anti-LGBTQ+ advocate Stephanie Pierucci to the Garfield County Library Board as Carbondale’s representative. This decision feels especially troubling given the BOCC’s refusal just last year to appoint Hanna Arauza to the board on the grounds that her views didn’t reflect her Rifle community. 

A quick glance at Pierucci’s public Facebook page reveals views that are alarmingly out of step with the Carbondale I know – a town that values inclusivity and diversity. While Pierucci’s posts cover a range of conspiracy theories, I’ll focus on her comments about the LGBTQ+ community, which are particularly concerning. 

Pierucci has publicly stated: 

– “Pride has been perverted. It’s not about love.”

– “(The Pride) movement all together is abuse of kids, especially girls.” 

– “There are TWO SEXES. Psychological gender dysphoria isn’t normal.” 

– “Stop celebrating drag shows. Cut out the incessant pride parades and drag story hours.” 

Pierucci claims expertise on these matters, citing her employment of a trans man and her relationships with LGBTQ+ individuals. Yet her statements perpetuate harmful stereotypes that are damaging to the LGBTQ+ community and not reflective of Carbondale’s values. 

The library board plays a crucial role in shaping a public resource meant to serve everyone. Appointing someone who openly disparages marginalized communities sends a damaging message. Carbondale deserves a representative who fosters inclusion, not division. 

It’s vital that our community stands up for its core values. We cannot allow such extremist views to go unchallenged. Let’s ensure that Carbondale remains a place where all people feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Ashley Stahl, New Castle

Biden should act now to shut down pipeline

With just one month left before Donald Trump returns to the White House, we are running out of time to lock in protections for our climate and communities. One critical action President Biden can take right now is to permanently shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).

The pipeline is currently operating illegally, even as the ongoing legal battles surrounding it are reaching a critical point. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe continues to fight against corporate and state interference to protect their sacred land and the safety of surrounding communities.

In 2020, concerned citizens urged President Biden to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, and he listened. Now, we must continue to press him to take immediate action on DAPL before Trump takes office. The risk of further environmental harm and disruption to Indigenous land is too great to ignore.

President Biden must prioritize the permanent shutdown of DAPL in his final days in office. The fight for a cleaner, safer future is in our hands, and we cannot afford to miss this opportunity.

Evan Michael, Glenwood Springs

Colorado’s fiscally responsible wolf program

As “Could pausing wolf reintroduction help solve Colorado’s budget problem?” explains, the state is considering budget cuts, but continuing to fully fund the state’s wolf reintroduction program is in Colorado’s best interest. Much of the wolf program’s budget this year has been dedicated to creating jobs and expanding offerings to livestock producers, demonstrating that Colorado’s leadership in carnivore conservation delivers a substantial return on investment. Reductions to the budget, particularly to the Wolf Compensation Depredation Fund, would disrupt efforts to build trust and cooperation as part of the successful program. 

The wolf program has already demonstrated fiscal responsibility due to diverse funding sources—such as the Born to be Wild license plates and state grants—and strong partner support—including partnership programs with other state agencies and nonprofits like Defenders of Wildlife—which have saved taxpayer dollars while simultaneously supporting the program’s success. This past year demonstrates that Colorado Parks and Wildlife can balance costs with the needs of the growing program. 

CPW also recently broadened its Wolf Conflict Minimization Program to include carcass management and range riding after significant engagement and advocacy by livestock producers. By fully investing in the program, CPW may implement the suite of support ranchers have requested, which will benefit both the wolves and the Coloradans that live alongside them. 

A fully funded wolf program offers an opportunity to build a successful, sustainable future for both wolves and Colorado’s rural communities. Let’s continue investing in this balanced approach to ensure success for all.

Katie Schneider, Berthoud


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