FEB 14, 2013 - SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS BILL INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE - Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet introduced the Bill, which failed to pass in the last session due to the lack of a vote.  "Colorado's scenic mountains and open spaces create jobs and form the very foundation of our thriving outdoor recreation economy.  We need to support these job creators by protecting and preserving the public lands that are critical to their businesses and our quality of life in Colorado," Udall said. "That's why I am standing with the residents of San Miguel, Ouray and San Juan counties to reintroduce the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act.  This legislation is an example of how wilderness should be done — from the bottom up and with the support of local businesses, leaders and residents."

Previously Senators Udall and Bennet introduced the San Juan Mountain Wilderness Act in the Senate on September 27, 2011. (Please read the press release here.) SMA working with our conservation partners initially presented a wilderness proposal to then Congressman John Salazar in the summer of 2009. After working extensively to ensure the proposal had a broad base of support and receiving the endorsement of San Miguel, Ouray and San Juan Counties, the Congressman introduced his bill into to protect just over 61,000 acres of public lands in and around the San Juan Mountains and San Miguel Watershed on October 22, 2009. Senators Udall and Bennet followed shortly with an introduction in the Senate. Unfortunately Congress failed to pass any Wilderness Bills last session. After expressing unfounded criticisms of the Bill Congressman Tipton has remained silent lately. We need your help to educate Congressman Tipton on the merits of this broadly supported land conservation proposal.

Please contact Senators Udall and Bennet with your thanks today!

Senator Udall: Phone: 202-224-5941

http://markudall.senate.gov/

Senator Bennet: Phone: 202-224-5852

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Please contact Congressman Tipton with your support for the bill.

Phone: 970-241-2499

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Included in the Senate Bill:

The following areas will receive Wilderness Area designations:

• 3,150 acres will be added to the existing Lizard Head Wilderness Area by the Blackface, Sunshine and Wilson additions.
• 8,240 acres will be added to the existing Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area by the Liberty Bell and Last Dollar additions.
• 12,975 acres will be added to the existing Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area by the Whitehouse addition.
• 8,614 acres of the McKenna Peak Wilderness Study Area will be designated as Wilderness (this is the northern half of the WSA which lies in San Miguel County)

In addition, two other designations will be created:

• 21,620 acres will be designated as the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area. Existing uses including heliisking will be allowed to continue, but no new roads or other development will be permitted.
• 6,600 acres will be withdrawn from eligibility for mineral leasing in Naturita Canyon so that drilling will not be allowed in the canyon itself. No other uses in the canyon will be impacted.

Download high-res map - PDF