More than a third of the public land in one of Colorado’s top ranching and tourism counties could receive increased protections if a bill introduced by the state’s U.S. senators Thursday becomes law.
The Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act would place more than 730,000 acres of federal public land in Gunnison County and surrounding areas under stricter management and protection. County leaders, ranchers and outdoor recreators have worked with Sen. Michael Bennet for over a decade to craft the legislation.
Supporters say the additional protections are needed as the county manages an explosion in visitation and development, along with the effects of climate change and drought.
“These lands are the treasure of our country,” Gunnison County commissioner Jonathan Houck said during a news conference Thursday. “This isn’t just an issue for Gunnison County, this is an issue for the country.”
The would-be-protected lands are not contiguous and would fall under a variety of classifications, with different levels and goals for preservation. If passed, the bill would expand the Raggeds, Maroon Bells-Snowmass and Fossil Ridge wilderness areas. It would also designate large swaths of land north and south of Blue Mesa Reservoir as wildlife conservation areas.
No new oil and gas leases or mining claims would be allowed within the land that would be protected. The legislation would not affect existing leases or claims.