“The hidden strength of the broadly backed Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness bill is the bipartisan support of the Colorado congressional delegation,” said Mike Matz, Executive Director of the Campaign for America’s Wilderness.
The eighth bill this year to designate wilderness in the lower 48 states would permanently protect nearly 250,000 acres of pristine backcountry in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The bill, announced today, is sponsored by both Senators, Democrat Ken Salazar and Republican Wayne Allard, and by the two House members representing the national park, Democrat Mark Udall and Republican Marilyn Musgrave.
“A key element in the success of most wilderness bills is the active support of the state’s congressional delegation,” said Matz. “Developing the Rocky Mountain bill has been a years long process of collaboration between the congressional sponsors and the scores of hikers, anglers and other recreational users, along with local communities and businesses.
Matz said the deliberative process greatly enhances the bill’s chance of passing.
“Engaging these many people who use and appreciate the wild places in the Rocky Mountains will likely mean the difference between protecting these beautiful landscapes for future generations, and watching them fade into memory.”
In 1974, President Nixon formally recommended designating the undeveloped backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park as wilderness. The legislation would protect lush forested valleys, glistening lakes and rivers, alpine tundra and spectacular mountain peaks.
