A new vision for Colorado’s vanishing wild lands 

This summer, Environment Colorado  launched a new campaign to protect 1.6 million acres of Colorado’s wild lands.

Our unspoiled mountains, rivers and canyons provide critical wildlife habitat, clean water and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Unfortunately, Colorado’s wild lands are under attack. The state issued a record-setting 6,500 leases for oil and gas development last year. And mining claims have risen more than 240 percent in the last few years.

We need a bold new wilderness plan

It’s time for a new vision for Colorado’s wild lands. When the 111th Congress takes shape after November’s elections, we need them to take action and support wilderness protection for Colorado’s wild lands.

We need to protect the Roan Plateau. With its 3,000-foot cliffs overseeing the Colorado River valley, the Roan provides a refuge for mountain lions, deer and elk. So far, the oil and gas industry has been successful in moving ahead plans that will forever change the Roan Plateau.

We need to protect Dolores Canyon. The Dolores River Canyon provides beautiful rafting and fishing opportunities. Unfortunately, a new uranium boom is on the horizon, and hundreds of mining claims have sprung up near the canyon. New uranium mines could leave behind a radioactive and toxic legacy.

And we need a plan that will protect the rest of our wild lands—places like Browns Canyon and Vermillion Basin. It’s time for Colorado’s leaders to start a new discussion about wilderness protection. 

Searching for strong leadership

We need a leader who can bring this vision to life. It took the hard work and leadership of former Sen. Tim Wirth to pass the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993. It protected more than half a million acres and had strong bipartisan support. In the House, Rep. Diana DeGette has championed a proposal to protect 1.6 million acres of wild lands in Colorado. Other efforts are underway to provide wilderness protection for Browns Canyon, Dominguez Canyon, the North San Juan Mountains and other lands.

But we need to end the logjam over wilderness protection in Congress. In the coming months, Environment Colorado will be building the foundation for a new vision to protect Colorado’s wild lands.

The Roan Plateau.