The bill recognizes and accommodates the multiple use needs of Coloradans at work, at home and at play. After two official wilderness trips to five of the proposed areas, and more than fifty meetings with interested organizations and individuals, I am eager to see this dialogue continue as we build toward consensus. My trips have included representatives of the Colorado Farm Bureau, the Colorado Rural Water Association, the oil and gas industry, the Colorado Cattleman's Association and mountain biking groups because everyone needs a seat at the wilderness table. Our biggest challenge is time. Once a wilderness area is lost, there's no turning back.
Mistakes are permanent.
Colorado cannot afford to allow Congress to pass only smaller, single parcel wilderness bills every five years without a comprehensive long-term strategy for preserving our beautiful open spaces. Too many opportunities will be lost as land parcel reviews get postponed on Congressional calendars. Only an earnest conversation about a comprehensive plan will conserve our ancient peaks, canyons and creeks.