PRESS: Congressman Polis Introduces Wilderness Preservation Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2010
Contact: Lara Cottingham
(202) 503-6067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WASHINGTON—After an intense public review and consensus building process, late last night Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced H.R. 6280 – The Eagle and Summit County Wilderness Preservation Act – which would designate nearly 166,000 acres of public land in Summit and Eagle Counties within Colorado's second congressional district as wilderness and special protection areas.

"Colorado's wild places are the heart of our state's character and our state's natural beauty is itself a precious resource that we must preserve," said Polis. "These areas are essential to our economy and our environment, and through this legislation we can ensure that our beautiful areas continue to provide habitat for our diverse wildlife, opportunities to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors, and jobs for local economies. After working extensively with stakeholders and examining the areas in question trail-by-trail, I am proud to introduce this legislation that has gained support and backing from the community."

The legislation incorporates further discussions with area water providers, the Colorado National Guard, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the recreation community and conservationists to ensure that the legislation meets the long-term needs of these stakeholders. The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to be referred to the House Natural Resources Committee for review.

More info @ http://www.polis.house.gov/wilderness/

Congressman, Jared Polis
2nd District, Colorado | 501 Cannon HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 | (202) 225-2161