What If?

Geoheritage Hightlight!

Consider the values that our society places on development in contrast to the values for preserving the pristine landscape and the record of Earth's past. This valley was once slated for housing development but instead its irreplaceable geologic values became protected as Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. This protection has led to sustainable economic benefits for the local community, and an opportunity for visitors, students, and you to appreciate this landscape and experience the heritage of Earth's past.

 

This valley was almost a housing division!

NPS/SIP: Mariah Slovacek

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument safeguards a buried treasure: one of the world's richest fossil deposits. This 6,000 acre open space that comprises the Monument belongs to all of us—and to future generations, this is one of the main purposes of the National Park system. But what if instead of a public resource, it was a private resort? This was a strong possibility in 1969 before a dedicated group of people succeeded in stopping developers and preserving this landscape as a national monument.

Look at the images below and move the sliders to see a possible alternate reality where instead of a national monument, this valley had become something very different.

 

A View in the Valley

Left image
View in the monument showing the valley and Crystal Peak in the distance.
Credit: Michael Kelly

Right image
A hypothetical view of the valley developed into a housing division and golf course.
Credit: Michael Kelly

One of many beautiful views from the Monument. This particular spot gives a direct line of sight to Crystal Peak, famous for it's amazonite. However many other big name mountains are visible from here including one of Colorado's famous fourteeners, Pikes Peak, to the east.

 

Another Valley View

Left image
Another view of the valley today.
Credit: Michael Kelly

Right image
What might have been.
Credit: Michael Kelly

Would you even be allowed to visit if the right image was reality? Or would it be yet another exclusive community for only a few? Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument protects the values of our geoheritage both now and in the future.

 

Fall Visions

Left image
A classic fall view in the park.
Credit: Michael Kelly

Right image
A golf course instead of public land.
Credit: Michael Kelly

One of the more remote hiking trails at the Monument, the Boulder Creek Trail, leads to a quiet stream area adjacent to a spectacular granite boulder pile. What if instead this was the ninth hole of a golf course?