DENVER —The artist Christo says he has abandoned his plan to drape translucent fabric above portions of Colorado’s scenic Arkansas River, a proposal that generated fierce opposition and a long court battle.

Christo’s decision was posted Wednesday on a website for the project, called Over the River.

He says he would instead focus on another project in Abu Dhabi.

Over the River called for eight sections of fabric panels to be suspended in intervals along 42 miles of the river between Canon City and Salida. It would have taken two years to install and was to be on display two weeks.

Opponents said it could harm wildlife, the river and people.