Office Hours on Wilderness Plans

On Wednesday, April 11, members of Mark Udall's staff will be holding open office hours as part of the collaborative, community-driven process Udall launched in February to create wilderness and national monument designations in two areas of the state.
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Starting today, I am kicking off a collaborative, community-driven process to listen to the community and create legislation to protect Colorado's outdoor heritage in two very special places in our state – the Central Mountains and the Arkansas River Canyon. By hearing your comments from the outset, I hope to develop a plan that a majority of the community agrees will support their interests and further develop Colorado’s booming recreation economy.

In order to facilitate the conversation with these communities, I’ve developed draft maps of possible wilderness boundaries – this will help keep us grounded and give us a firm base to compare notes and ideas. To be clear, I have not yet developed draft legislation. Legislation will come later after I’ve heard broad agreement from the affected communities.

Please look at the maps and share your thoughts with me:

Arkansas River Canyon National Monument and Browns Canyon Wilderness Maps and Comment Form
The Arkansas River Canyon proposal would protect some of our best-loved river rafting spots along the iconic Arkansas River between Salida and Buena Vista by designating it as a national monument and the adjacent Browns Canyon as wilderness. The official designation would literally put the region on the map, drawing more visitors to the area’s world-class outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting the local tourism economy. Submit comments.
 
Central Mountain Maps and Comment Form
The Central Mountains proposal could encompass as many as 32 areas in Eagle, Pitkin and Summit counties, expanding existing wilderness areas in the region, including Holy Cross, Eagles Nest and the Maroon Bells. Legislation could help promote the region as a world-class destination for outdoor recreation. Submit comments.

My staff and I also look forward to sitting down with stakeholders and talking through the issues for each and every area. These meetings will start this week and extend for as long as necessary.
 

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