With Animas River Back Open, Durango Hoping Visitors Will Flock Back

DURANGO, Colo (CBS4) – Durango locals and tourists alike welcomed the news that La Plata County Sheriff Sean Smith opened the Animas River last Friday for recreational use after the devastating toxic mine spill. Now the small mountain city wants everyone to join them for end-of-summer fun and to help their local economy recover.
The spill from the Gold King Mine in San Juan County brought the Animas River into the national and international spotlight. But now that the sheriff has decided t