River PlaygroundPhotograph by Matt Slaby, Luceo
The stretch of the Arkansas River that Christo and Jeanne-Claude chose for their art installation is a favorite spot for river sports such as fly-fishing and whitewater rafting. (See National Geographic Traveler's Colorado family vacation planner.)
As with many of Christo's other projects, "Over the River" is controversial—especially among members of the river-protection group Rags Over the Arkansas River, or ROAR.
For instance, opponents worry the installation will negatively impact the environment and local wildlife such as Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and the rare peregrine falcon.
Christo's team has taken steps to minimize these impacts, according to a statement on Christo's website. "The construction and viewing periods have been carefully scheduled around breeding and nesting seasons," the statement said.
"As an added precaution, construction buffer zones will be created near potentially active [falcon] nests and around designated sheep areas."Published January 11, 2011 |