A move to protect vast stretches of Colorado open space drew warm support
today from more than 100 local government groups, businesses, recreation and conservation organizations. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) announced her initiative -- the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1999 -- at a Denver press conference on
Wednesday. The bill would protect 1.4 million acres of Colorado's canyon country, most of which is located on the Western Slope.
DeGette's bill embodies the "Citizens' Wilderness Proposal," promoted by citizen groups
since 1994, which recommends wilderness protection for roughly 1.1 million acres of rugged wildlands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and another 300,000 acres of adjacent Forest Service lands. The Congresswoman will
introduce the bill when Congress reconvenes next week.
"Protected public lands are a major asset to my county – that's why we endorsed the Citizens' Wilderness Proposal and why we support DeGette's bill," said Art
Goodtimes, a San Miguel County Commissioner. "Wilderness not only provides great recreation opportunities, it also attracts businesses drawn to the high quality of life in our communities. Protecting these lands preserves the
backbone of this region's identity and history," Goodtimes added. San Miguel and Pitkin Counties, along with the Denver City Council, have endorsed the Citizens' Wilderness Proposal. Conservation groups such as the Colorado
Wildlife Federation also endorse the wilderness proposal.
"Wilderness, wildlife and hunting are a natural combination," explained Pete Michaelson, a long-time hunter and former chairman of the Colorado Wildlife
Federation. "Wilderness protects pristine fish and wildlife habitat, and ensures that anyone – even those unable to pay to hunt on private land – will have a place for hunting and fishing in the future." Hunting, fishing
and wildlife-watching activities in Colorado generate $2.6 billion annually, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
A growing number of businesses – over 40 to date – are also
lining up behind wilderness protection for Colorado's canyon country.
"Protecting public lands protects my bottom line," said Bob Kennemer, a professional guide and outfitter in south-central Colorado. "My clients
want to experience the solitude, beauty and adventure of the great outdoors. Wilderness designation ensures that these lands will be protected for all to enjoy, as well as for local businesses which depend upon them for their
livelihoods."
Conservationists have been advocating protection of these lands for years, a sentiment shared by a majority of Coloradans. A poll of Colorado registered voters conducted by Talmey–Drake in 1997 found
overwhelming support for the Citizens' Wilderness Proposal, with 80 percent of respondents supporting wilderness protection.
"Coloradans want to make sure there are places where they can take the kids, get out on the land,
and maybe see a bobcat drinking from a stream or a golden eagle sailing in the sky," pointed out Susan Tixier, Executive Director of the Colorado Environmental Coalition. "These are the kinds of natural experiences that I
– and other native Coloradans – grew up with, and the reason we continue to stay."
"This is an historic moment, marking the beginning of a bold campaign to preserve Colorado's canyon country –virtually none of which is
currently protected," remarked Suzanne Jones, Assistant Regional Director of The Wilderness Society. "With sprawl and growth threatening to destroy our quality of life, it has never been more important to save the last of
Colorado's unprotected wild places. We commend Congresswoman DeGette for her leadership and hope that the rest of Colorado's delegation will support this bill."
The 1.4 million-acre bill affects just two percent of the
entire Colorado land base. It leaves 85 percent of the lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management open to oil and gas drilling, mining, off-road vehicle use and other development activities. Protected in the legislation will be
49 areas, including such spectacular places as the verdant Castle Peak, home to black bear, elk and beaver; the magnificent Delores River Canyon, where hundreds of rafters and canoeists come to have fun each year; and the wild and
vast Vermillion Basin, containing ancient petroglyphs and stunning rock formations.
The Colorado Wilderness Network is a coalition made up of over 100 local government, business, recreation and conservation organizations
committed to the protection of 1.4 million acres of Colorado's spectacular canyon country. Representatives of the Colorado Environmental Coalition, Colorado Mountain Club, Lighthawk, Sierra Club, Western Colorado Congress, and The
Wilderness Society serve on the Network's Steering Committee.
For more information about this issue, including a map and slide show, visit The Wilderness Society's website at:
