Today Colorado’s Congressional leaders announced their intention to introduce new legislation designating Rocky Mountain National Park’s pristine backcountry as wilderness, permanently protecting backcountry recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, and inspirational views that make the park one of our nation’s crown jewels. Local governments, local citizens and conservationists lauded the delegation’s actions and said the bill’s strong bi-partisan support will likely ensure quick Congressional passage.
“We are thrilled that all four of these leaders are joining behind this important legislation. This bi-partisan approach is the way that wilderness bills get passed. We expect the bill to move forward smoothly,” said Steve Smith of The Wilderness Society.
“Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our nation’s crown jewels. This wilderness designation will help to ensure the park remains just as it is for future generations to experience, explore, and enjoy," said Kim Coupounas, Chairman of the Board of the Outdoor Industry Association and Co-Founder and CEO of GoLite, a Boulder-based manufacturer of outdoor gear and clothing. GoLite is a member of the Outdoor Industry Association and just one of the many outdoor industry businesses supportive of wilderness designation for Rocky Mountain National Park.
“The town of Estes Park is very excited,” added John Baudek, Mayor of Estes Park, “Rocky Mountain National Park is important to our town, and protecting the scenic backcountry as wilderness will ensure the park stays as it is today.”
Rocky Mountain National Park receives approximately 3.2 million visitors annually. Tourists flock from around the country and around the world to climb Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s famed fourteeners at 14,255 feet. The amazing vistas from Trail Ridge Road, backpacking, angling, birding, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and skiing also draw visitors to the park year-round. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including mountain lions, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and mule deer.
“Larimer County recognizes the importance of protecting Rocky Mountain National Park as Wilderness for the long term economic benefits the park provides, so we applaud the efforts of our congressional delegation,” said Kathay Rennels, Larimer County Commissioner.
In 1974 the National Park Service recommended the majority of the park be designated wilderness. The Park Service has managed these lands in expectation that Congress would one day designate them. This bill will protect over 249,000 of wild lands in the park as wilderness. The bill excludes heavily used and developed front-country lands and allows for the maintenance of Trail Ridge Road, other existing roads, and other park facilities so that the park’s extraordinary landscape can continue to inspire all visitors, even those that never travel far from their vehicle.
“Our members in the area find peace knowing that the beloved park has the added protection of wilderness designation and will continue to provide inspiration to Americans long into the future,” said Irene Little with the League of Women Voters of Estes Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park wilderness is supported by a diversity of local governments, including Grand, Boulder and Larimer Counties, and the Towns of Grand Lake, Winter Park, and Estes Park. It is also supported by a variety of conservation and civic groups, including the League of Women Voters, Colorado Environmental Coalition, Colorado Mountain Club, The Wilderness Society, Headwaters Trails Alliance, and International Mountain Bicycling Association.
*Colorado Wilderness Network*
