A proposed 640-acre open pit gravel mine on the St Vrain River west of Hygiene, CO was approved by Boulder County Land Use. The mining operation will have a direct & substantial adverse impact for decades on the surrounding ecosystem and its critical riparian wildlife corridor, as well as on St Vrain Valley residents and visitors (cyclists, hikers, birders, etc). We request that Martin Marietta Materials/Mining Co. forego mining under Special Use 96-18 & Lyons Pit Permit M-1974-015, and contribute its mineral holdings and land to Boulder County Parks & Open Space for protection and preservation forever.