The San Miguel Power Association is asking local government leaders and backcountry outfitters for letters of support for its plans to finish clearing trees around its power line over Red Mountain Pass, a project the rural electric cooperative aims to complete by Memorial Day weekend.

In an email to nearly 50 stakeholders Monday, SMPA spokesman Alex Shelley asked local and appointed officials in Ouray and San Juan counties, backcountry ski operators, visitor center managers and others to address ...