DeGette Introduces Wilderness Bill

Proposed Redcloud wilderness area. Photo by Mark Pearson / CanyonCountryWilderness.org

Denver Democratic congresswoman Diana DeGette has introduced the Colorado Wilderness Act of 2009, the latest incarnation of the Canyon Country Wilderness proposal. The bill would set aside about 850,000 acres in 34 parcels, nearly three-quarters of which is BLM land. It also includes Redcloud and Sunshine peaks, two 14ers near Lake City.

DeGette has been trying to get the Canyon Country wilderness legislation out of committee in the House since 1999. One significant change to this year’s bill is that it does not include the Roan Plateau area northwest of Rifle, an area of highly controversial oil and gas leases.

This is the second major Colorado wilderness proposal introduced in Congress this year. In the fall, Rep. John Salazar introduced the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act in the House, and Senators Bennet and Udall subsequently introduced a companion bill. All of the proposed wilderness legislation is still in committee.