I support the Hidden Gems wilderness proposal and I hope you will also.
We are very fortunate that previous generations had the foresight to set aside our existing wilderness areas. We also must have the wisdom to enlarge that legacy for our children and grandchildren.
The Hidden Gems proposal has gone through years of field-checking and stakeholder outreach. Major boundary adjustments have been made to accommodate the interests of mountain bikers, grazing and outfitter permit holders among many other potential users.
The areas remaining in the proposal are very special places that deserve to be protected forever from the threats of road building, motorized vehicles, gas drilling and other extractive industries.
I feel it is extremely important to protect these areas, which are mainly at the middle elevations. The "hidden gems" are "hidden" because most of them are off the beaten track from the popular high-elevation areas. Biologically they're "gems" because they preserve some of our richest wildlife habitat.
Our existing wilderness areas are a big part of our high quality of life. This in turn helps our economy to remain as strong as it is. Plus, they protect much of our best hunting and fishing lands, and contribute in numerous other ways to our recreation-based economy.
Our local population continues to grow, and the pressure on our backcountry continues to increase. It is necessary to set aside these last best unprotected places before they're lost forever.
Louise von Dedenroth-Dendinger
Edwards
