The Grand Mesa Nordic Council presents itself as a left-leaning, eco-friendly organization, but in reality, it’s a group of opportunists whose top priority is securing a salary for its executive director—a close associate of trust-fund opportunist Dan Tille, who maneuvered his way into the board presidency. Despite claiming community-minded values, GMNC will cozy up to anyone with money, including inviting Matt Soper to their events when it suited them. They’ll pander to any side if it fills their coffers.
The Real Issues GMNC Won’t Address:
- Secrecy and Retaliation: As experienced by many before, GMNC’s leadership attacks anyone who raises concerns rather than addressing the issues at hand. Every time the public has demanded transparency, GMNC has responded by clamping down even further.
- Financial Irresponsibility: GMNC nearly collapsed financially and structurally in 2019. Yet, now, they’re pushing forward with an expensive lodge without a long-term financial plan for maintenance in a harsh alpine environment. There is no 15- to 20-year financial sustainability plan—raising serious concerns that the community will be left with an unmaintainable money pit.
- Infrastructure Neglect: The plan completely ignores the urgent need for expanded restrooms and parking at Skyway. Parking is already at a premium, and a lodge will only encourage more people to stay longer, making congestion worse. Since the building is designed for visitors, not just equipment storage, this issue must be addressed.
- No Security Plan: GMNC already had a snowmobile stolen in 2024 season, yet they have zero plans for securing a permanent lodge in an isolated location. The building will attract overnight trespassers, theft, and vandalism, and yet there’s no mention of surveillance, controlled access, or law enforcement coordination.
- Disregard for Accessibility: The plans fail to show incorporation of universal design principles, nor do they address how snow removal will be managed for accessible parking and ADA-compliant ramps. GMNC ignoring accessibility is shameful.
- Public Land, Private Control? This building is being placed on public land by an organization that does not have exclusive rights to it—so what happens when other groups want to use it? The plan is silent on this fundamental issue.
Call to Action
The submitted plans fall far short of providing critical details, and with only a few days left to submit public comments, now is the time to act. If you’re willing, please help rally the community to demand accountability.
Public comments can be sent to:
Timothy Wise
Grand Valley Ranger District
2777 Crossroads Blvd, Suite 1
Grand Junction, CO 81506
Timothy.wise@usda.gov
USFS Project Page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=67760
The Revolutionist 