“This picture was taken on night two of a mini-backpack trip that my partner and our dog (pictured) took in July, starting at the Dark Canyon trailhead and meandering our way over passes back to our home in Crested Butte. We had Democrat Basin all to ourselves and enjoyed a quiet, contemplative post-dinner sunset gazing session. The GORP Act is important to us because it protects critical headwaters of the Colorado River, restricts new oil and gas leasing in sensitive zones like the North Fork Valley Watershed, and preserves vital wildlife habitats. We want to be able to enjoy these quiet, awe-inspiring places for the rest of our lives, and want our children and grandchildren to be able to do the same. Living at the headwaters also makes us deeply aware that what happens here affects the health of ecosystems and communities far downstream.” —Lauren Herbine