The Ouray Ice Park, a key destination for ice climbers in the US, is facing a water supply crisis due to climate change. An innovative partnership with Ouray Silver Mines will provide essential water resources for the park, ensuring its future and supporting the local economy during winter months.
Ouray, renowned as America’s ice-climbing hub, has encountered potential devastation due to climate change impacting its water supply. Situated in the Rockies at 2,400 meters (7,800 feet), the village has celebrated 30 years of an artificial ice park, crucial for attracting climbers worldwide. As mountain guide Clint Cook stated, “It’s definitely an ice climbing Mecca; I can’t think of anywhere else that attracts this many people specifically to one place, just for ice climbing.” However, years of drought have jeopardized the essential water source.
In response to the crisis, Ouray Silver Mines has provided an unexpected solution by offering to lease millions of liters of water annually for merely $1. Peter O’Neil, the executive director of the Ouray Ice Park, emphasized that with this arrangement, they will receive three to five times the current water supply and no longer depend on municipal water tanks. This development promises to secure the park’s future, benefiting both the climbers and the local businesses reliant on winter tourism.
The village, home to approximately 900 residents and founded during the Colorado Silver Rush, acknowledges its mining heritage, evidenced by a miner statue placed in the town. Despite the decline of silver mining over the past century, modern technological demands have revitalized the sector. Brian Briggs, the former CEO of Ouray Silver Mines, articulated the mutual benefits of the partnership, highlighting that the mine, as a significant landholder, was entitled to substantial water rights which they were not utilizing.
The implications of climate change extend beyond water scarcity. Rising temperatures hinder the formation of ice, essential for the park’s operations. Climatic conditions necessitate consistent sub-zero temperatures to ensure adequate ice generation, marking the significance of timely water access. This partnership is also vital for the local economy, with visitors contributing around $18 million annually. Jen Brinkley, a long-time visitor, expressed optimism about the deal, asserting that enhanced water supply will bolster climbing opportunities and secure the park’s legacy for future generations.
The partnership between Ouray Silver Mines and the Ouray Ice Park presents a promising solution to counter the detrimental effects of climate change on water resources. By augmenting the park’s water supply, this collaboration not only preserves the area’s iconic climbing opportunities but also supports the local economy reliant on tourism. As both climbers and businesses benefit from a more sustainable water source, the prospect of maintaining this ice-climbing paradise appears more secure.
Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com
