People reside in and come to visit Southwest Colorado in large part because of our spectacular mountain landscapes, high quality of life, and abundant recreational opportunities. These special places serve as critical economic drivers, a living representation of our heritage, and striking symbols of Colorado. Protecting unique places like Mount Sneffels, McKenna Peak, Sheep Mountain and Naturita Canyon for present users and future generations is essential to the well-being of our communities.
For the greater part of a decade, local communities have worked hard to protect key public lands that drive our economies in Ouray, San Juan and San Miguel counties, culminating in the San Juan Mountains Wilderness bill. The boundaries of the proposed wilderness and special management areas are considerate of existing uses, watersheds and drinking water sources, and protect wildlife habitat and recreation areas. Support for the bill remains nearly unanimous across the region.
Ranchers, mountain bikers, outfitters, local residents, a heli-skiing operator, and private landowners all have voiced strong support. Their message is clear: Set partisanship aside, and work together to pass the San Juan Mountains Wilderness bill.
The only hurdle left is for Congress to act. The San Juan Mountains bill — sponsored by U.S.Sen. Michael Bennet — has been approved by relevant committees of both the U.S. House and Senate in previous sessions, making it ripe for final passage. We ask Sen. Bennet, Sen. Cory Gardner and Rep. Scott Tipton to take a page from their constituents in Ouray, San Juan and San Miguel counties and work together to enact the bill.
Public lands legislation is never easy, and bills like the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act, crafted by local communities to make sure all current uses continue, and broadly supported by local communities, are the kind most likely to pass congressional muster. We urge our congressional representatives to finish the job, and enact the San Juan Mountains Wilderness bill.
Art Goodtimes, San Miguel County
commissioner;
Pete McKay, San Juan County commissioner
Lynn Padgett, Ouray County commissioner
Sean Murphy, mayor, Telluride
Dan Jansen, mayor, Mountain Village
Corinne Platt, mayor, Ophir