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Colorado wilderness supporters celebrated Congresswoman Diana DeGette's re-introduction of the Colorado Wilderness Act. Wilderness designation will forever protect some of Colorado'distinctively scenic and treasured lands for people today and for generations to come.
"The last wilderness area designated in Colorado was James Peak in 2002," said Kurt Kunkle with the Colorado Wilderness Coalition, "These sixty-two areas are begging to be protected from the bite of the bulldozer and drill rig."
The proposal would protect 62 areas totaling 1.6 million acres, or 2.5% of the entire state. Included are places like the stunning Dolores River Canyon, which boasts unique river trips and hiking in side canyons like Coyote Wash. Also included in the proposal are some of Colorado's high mountain peaks near Lake City and accessible front range areas like Beaver Creek.
The lower elevation lands in the proposal provide exceptional recreational opportunities when the Rocky Mountains are under snow, Kunkle explained. The designation will also provide permanent protection for important wildlife habitat that is threatened by potential development.
Designated wilderness areas preserve the natural environment for hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, education, watershed protection, scientific research and many other uses. Activities such as new roads, oil and gas development, motorized recreation and mining are banned in wilderness areas but can occur on public lands outside of designated wilderness.
"With development of Colorado's public lands moving forward at a break-neck pace, protecting these special places will ensure that some of Colorado remains wild for future generations," said Steve Smith of The Wilderness Society. "We look forward to working with Congresswoman DeGette and with all members of Colorado's congressional delegation in keeping these lands forever wild."
Smith also noted that recent polling found over 70% support in Colorado for protecting additional wilderness.
The use of motorized equipment is allowed in wilderness only for the purpose of search and rescue, emergency access for fighting fire and insect infestations, and selective grazing activities.
More information on Colorado's Canyon Country Wilderness Proposal is available at canyoncountrywilderness.org.
» Watch video of the press conference
