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On Oct. 22nd, U.S. Rep. John Salazar introduced legislation to permanently protect more than 60,000 acres of pristine lands in San Miguel, Ouray, and San Juan counties.
We’ve been working with Salazar and his staff for more than two years on the bill, and this isn’t the first time we’ve called on you to help make it happen. However, it’s important to let Salazar know that we are grateful for this key milestone in the bill’s trip through the lawmaking process.
Over the last two years, the proposal has gone through a very thorough vetting process, and enjoys the enthusiastic support of San Miguel, Ouray, and San Juan counties, municipalities, and numerous stakeholders such as ranchers, outfitters, and thousands of local residents. This overwhelming support has resulted in a non-controversial bill that should easily move through the congressional process.
Click here to see current maps of areas in the legislation and to read the legislation.
The legislation would designate new wilderness:
- 3,170 acres will be added to the existing Lizard Head Wilderness Area in San Miguel County
- 21606 acres will be added to the existing Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area in San Miguel and Ouray counties.
- 8,614 acres of the McKenna Peak Wilderness Study Area in San Miguel County, located in the Disappointment Valley, will be designated as wilderness (representing the first designation in the lower Dolores River watershed).
It would also extend new protections to important wild lands:
- 21,697 acres in San Juan and San Miguel County including Ice Lakes basin outside of Silverton and the high alpine peaks near Ophir 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. The area will automatically become wilderness should the heliiski company cease to operate in the area.
- 6,595 acres will be withdrawn from eligibility for mineral leasing in Naturita Canyon, near Norwood in San Miguel County.
Take a moment to thank Rep. Salazar today
- Thank Rep. Salazar for the time and energy he and his staff has spent addressing concerns and making the legislation become a reality.
- Use personal stories where you can, and let Rep. Salazar know how enthusiastic you are about the legislation being enacted into law soon.
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Since the spring of 2007, San Juan Citizens Alliance and the Dolores River Coalition have worked on a wilderness proposal that would protect a number of remaining wild areas in the Dolores River watershed in San Miguel County. We have reached out to the region, received substantial support, listened to concerns and adjusted the proposal accordingly. Citizens in Ouray County have done the same for an addition there to Mount Sneffels Wilderness, as have citizens in San Juan County for the area around Ice Lakes Basin. Some of the most spectacular yet vulnerable wild country left in the region would receive full statutory protection, helping to preserve a variety of ecosystems, key watersheds, our quality of life, and quiet recreation opportunities.
- The expansion of Mount Sneffels Wilderness to incorporate key areas on its south side, including the area just above Telluride (San Miguel County), as well as an addition on the east to include Whitehouse Mountain, Teakettle and other peaks in Ouray County.
- The expansion of Lizard Head Wilderness to incorporate lands in Silver Pick Basin and along Lizard Head Pass.
- Sheep Mountain Special Management Area, outlined by the stunning ridgeline formed by Sheep Mountain, Pilot Knob, U.S. Grant, and South Lookout Peaks as well as Hope Lake and Ice Lake Basin.
(US Grant Peak and Ice Lake, Sheep Mountain Area)
- The McKenna Peak Wilderness Study area and adjacent Citizen Proposed lands in Disappointment Valley, adding critical mid-elevation lands to the wilderness system and part of the Spring Creek Basin wild horse management area.
(McKenna Peak)
- The northern portion of the proposed Snaggletooth Wilderness, protecting 8 river miles of the stunning Dolores River Canyon below Snaggletooth Rapid.
(Dolores River Corridor - Proposed Snaggletooth Wilderness)
- Protection from oil and gas leasing for Naturita Canyon near Norwood.
- Protection from oil and gas leasing for Perins Peak state wildlife area outside of Durango.
click for pdf
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