We urge that the Commissioners quickly revisit this issue, and support all of the county s proposed wilderness. We will vigorously continue our campaign for wilderness designation of all appropriate areas. The lands left unprotected include large areas of critical winter range for Colorado s deer and elk, numerous healthy native plant communities, sensitive species habitat, thousands of cultural sites, and outstanding opportunities for backcountry recreation and solitude. For example, the Little Bookcliffs proposed wilderness includes one of only three areas in the United States set aside for America s wild horses. The Palisade includes an absolutely unique natural area the Unaweep Seep, habitat to the endangered Great Basin Silverspot butterfly.
Granite Creek includes an incredible diversity of wildlife, including native trout.
These are special, and threatened, areas that truly deserve wilderness protection. The opposition generally took the position that any wilderness is too much. While we appreciate that the Commission took the time to look at this issue, we wonder how closely they listened to their constituents. Throughout this process, clear majorities have supported protection for all these lands. It seems the Commissioners let the opposition of a few poison the process.