If you’ve ever casually strolled through Martinez Canyon, you know of its deep intrinsic beauty.

You’ve experienced the profound silence and diversity of wildlife there, and you’ve felt the peace and tranquility that invariably comes when immersing yourself in the innate bounties of our natural environment.

Doubtless, you’ve come to recognize the place as a quick and convenient escape from the rigors of everyday life.

Nevertheless, Martinez Canyon is under attack and its heretofore unsullied characteristics are steadily breaking down.

There are those among us who willfully destroy the very properties that lead us to such sites, for no other reason than to appease their own indolence, ignorance or social animosity. Because they simply don’t care, they openly deposit used appliances, worn out furniture, unwanted vehicles, construction material and all sorts of household trash and debris in once pristine places like Martinez Canyon.

Of course, in the process, numerous hazardous chemicals like freon, formaldehyde, phenol, ammonia, bleach, various detergents and motor oil are introduced to the soil. Then, as it rains or winter snows melt, noxious elements gradually seep into the water table, or run into the attendant creek.

Meanwhile, families hike nearby trails and teachers lead elementary school students on nature walks, as downstream landowners unknowingly irrigate yards and gardens with tainted water. Their livestock routinely drinks from what amounts to toxic soup. Wells are defiled and serious human health concerns intensify.

In Martinez Canyon, illegal and inexcusable dumping has apparently gone on indefinitely — and continues today.

According to Archuleta County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kristin McCoy, “It has been ongoing for many years. It’s kind of Pagosa’s ugly little secret.”

McCoy said numerous dumpsites have been discovered along the canyon rim in the Pagosa Trails subdivision near the west end of town. Another lies just over the rim in the same general area, and several others have been found near Martin Court in neighboring Chris Mountain Village.

Tonya Hamilton, of the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (PLPOA) Department of Covenant Compliance, described the area as steep slopes covered in dense forest. She mentioned that a truck and at least one car have been pushed into the canyon, while daily visits have uncovered new dumpsites, suggesting the practice continues.

Hamilton said perpetrators have dumped tons of refuse on private property now owned by Wyndham Vacation Ownership, which maintains the greenbelts in and around most Pagosa Lakes subdivisions. To do so, they have trespassed across several private lots on undesignated dirt roads.

To date, one Pagosa resident has been charged and convicted of Littering of Public/Private Property relative to the activity. Ashley Brooks was tied to the petty offense by evidence found at the scene. While the arresting officer, Deputy Brandon Bishop, couldn’t recall what Brooks’ ultimate punishment was, he believes she also had to pay the cost of having her trash removed from the canyon.

In a recent phone interview, Bishop said additional evidence has been, and is being collected, which may tie other offenders to additional crimes.

When asked what crimes appear to be involved, McCoy said abandoning vehicles, littering, trespassing, destruction of private property and removing vehicle identification marks are offenses that could lead to fines, imprisonment, community service, and/or expensive restitution.

Hamilton, meanwhile, has created a flyer for wide distribution throughout the subdivisions adjacent to where the unlawful dumping continues. While explaining the dire circumstances to recipients, including their effects on wildlife and the environment, the notice states that trespassing and littering will not be tolerated and those responsible will be charged and prosecuted.

It also suggests neighbors create a neighborhood watch group and be on the lookout for strange vehicles traveling off designated roadways or across lots, particularly if trucks appear to be hauling trash. Residents should watch for campfires day or night, which may lead to littering activity, or a dangerous wildfire.

Most of all, the flyer asks that people get involved in an effort to help remove trash from Martinez Canyon. Several residents have already stepped forward, including Wyndham and PLPOA employees, sheriff’s deputies, community volunteers, U.S. Forest Service personnel and a Colorado Division of Wildlife officer.

Regular meetings are planned, with the next one scheduled for 2 p.m., July 22, at the PLPOA Clubhouse in Vista. As an open forum, all are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend. Emphasis will be on preventing further dumping, while finding ways to fund an extensive cleanup.

Prospective participants are asked to R.S.V.P. with Tonya Hamilton at 731-5635, Ext. 26, to assure adequate seating for all attendees.

Martinez Canyon is a marvelous community asset, but it’ll take a community-wide effort to restore it to a more natural state. Once accomplished, though, the flora and fauna will be thankful, and so will those who visit simply to renew their spirit.

chuck@pagosasun.com