Senate now has opportunity to protect 400,000 acres of public lands and waters across Colorado

Contact:
Teresa Martinez, tmartinez@continentaldividetrail.org; (540) 449-4506

GOLDEN, CO  (July 21, 2020) — Veterans, sportsmen, small business owners, and conservation and recreation groups across Colorado welcomed a vote in Congress today that helped move important public lands legislation forward. The Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act) passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and would safeguard more than 400,000 acres in the state, including designating Camp Hale, where World War II 10th Mountain Division soldiers trained, as the nation’s first National Historic Landscape.  

The bipartisan support for the CORE Act amendment included Colorado Representatives Joe Neguse, Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, and Jason Crow.  

 The CORE Act was introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse and Sen. Michael Bennet in January 2019 and was passed by the House with bipartisan support last fall. Given the few legislative days left in this Congress, the NDAA offers an opportunity to advance the bill. While Senator Cory Gardner has yet to take a position on the bill, he said this month, “We’re trying to figure out a way forward for it. I think there is certainly a way that it can pass.” 

The NDAA offers such a way, as the House and Senate reconcile their versions of the bill; the last major public lands bill for Colorado was passed in the 2015 NDAA to protect the Hermosa Creek wilderness and watershed. 

It is more clear than ever how important Colorado’s public lands and waters are to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people have turned to nature for their physical, emotional, and mental health. Coloradans have always known that outdoor recreation and rural communities are the backbone of the state’s economy, and the pandemic has made that even clearer. The NDAA passage recognizes and honors the connection people have to the natural world during difficult times. 

The following are quotes from stakeholders who have been working for decades to protect for future generations 400,000 acres in the San Juans, Thompson Divide, Continental Divide, Curecanti, and the historic WWII training grounds at Camp Hale: 

“My parents met at Camp Hale in 1942 and our family has been involved in outdoor recreation, outfitting and ranching ever since. The CORE Act combines important protections for the wild places that Americans yearn for, while also paying tribute to the courageous 10th Mountain Ski Troopers, like my father, who established mountain warfare and forged today’s modern ski industry. Passing the CORE Act as part of the NDAA provides a legacy for future generations of protected lands and honors the pioneering spirit of America.”
– Linda Gundell, Eagle teacher, outfitter, rancher, daughter of Herbert C. Gundell, 87th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division

“Our public lands, including Camp Hale and the surrounding areas, define our country, and it is what I fought to defend. Adding the CORE Act to the National Defense Authorization Act is fitting for it will honor generations of veterans, from World War II to Operation Enduring Freedom. I want to thank Congressman Neguse for his leadership in preserving this important area, and I hope the CORE Act becomes the law of the land.”
– Bradley Noone, 10th Mountain Division Veteran

“The Thompson Divide Coalition has been working for over a decade to protect the long term viability of grazing, hunting, and recreation that have supported and been enjoyed by many generations of my family and other families on the public lands of the Thompson Divide. The watersheds, wildlife, and healthy biodiversity of this keystone parcel of mid-elevation productive habitat on public lands is invaluable to the ranchers and all who base their livelihoods on resources from this outstanding landscape. We are grateful to Rep. Neguse for supporting the CORE Act amendment in the NDAA bill, which includes the Thompson Divide area. We know Sen. Bennet knows and understands the value of the Thompson Divide and all the lands of the CORE Act and we hope Sen. Gardner will also show his support of the public lands in his state that need protection by supporting the CORE Act amendment to the NDAA bill.”
– Judy Fox-Perry, rancher Thompson Divide Coalition

“Long-term protection for areas in the San Juan Mountains included in CORE Act has been strongly supported by our communities for over a decade now because we rely on these places for our own recreational opportunities, and they drive our local economy. People come here from all over the world to experience the beauty and wildness of our public lands. The adventures they have here shape their lives and they keep coming back, again and again. We value the incredible landscapes and ecosystems included in the CORE Act, and we ask our elected officials to think about our future and move the CORE Act forward.” 
– Erik Dalton, owner of Montrose Surf and Kayak and Jagged Edge Mountain Gear

“As small business owners, hunters, and residents of Colorado’s Western Slope we are fortunate enough to live amongst the public lands that make Colorado so special. Protecting these lands is not only important for our wildlife, outdoor recreation economy, and future generations, but passing the CORE Act is a simple and effective way to ensure long term protections for a large swath of Colorado. From the first National Historic Landscape at Camp Hale to fully protecting Mt. Sneffels the CORE Act is an amazing opportunity to protect landscapes and our way of life. We are thankful that people like Representative Neguse and Senator Bennet have made it their goal to fight for public lands and Colorado, we look forward to seeing the CORE Act passed after all of their hard work.”
– Kevin Timm, President of Seek Outside

“Coloradans have long recognized Blue Mesa Reservoir and Curecanti National Recreation Area as an outdoor mecca that generates over $40,000,000 of revenue annually for the counties of Gunnison, Montrose, and Delta.  Seeing Congress pass legislation that would officially authorize Curecanti National Recreation Area as a unit of the national park system would be one of many extraordinary gifts that the CORE Act would deliver to the citizens of Colorado.”
–Bruce Noble, retired National Park Service, former superintendent for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area

“Eagle County is pleased that the CORE Act passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Our public lands define the American spirit and continue to be a place where people go to gain strength and resiliency.  Our reliance on public lands is especially apparent in this time of challenges from COVID-19.  The CORE Act will designate Camp Hale as National Historic Landscape and preserve important wildlife habitat prized by local hunters and anglers. We are hopeful that the CORE Act passes the U.S. Senate so current and future generations can always have a place to go for reflection, growth, and adventure.”
– Kathy Chandler-Henry, Commissioner, Eagle County    

“We have worked on the designations of the CORE Act for over a decade. The designations are widely supported by citizens and stakeholders across Colorado and has already passed the House. It is long past time that the Senate consider the CORE Act, yet it hasn’t even received a hearing in Senator Gardner’s committee. Once again we ask that Senator Gardner listen to the majority of his constituents and allow the CORE Act to move forward.”
– Hilary Cooper, San Miguel County Commissioner

“We are excited to see the CORe Act be included as part of the NDAA and move forward to protect critical landscapes across the state of Colorado.  The portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail included in the legislation are some of the more unique settings across not just the CDNST -but any national scenic trail across the United States.  There are few places in our country of more national significance than Camp Hale and the Continental Divide, itself. We hope to see this important legislation move forward and wish to thank Congressman Neguse and Senator Bennet for their leadership in creating a long lasting legacy for all of us.”
 – Teresa Ana Martinez, Executive Director, Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

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About the Continental Divide Trail

The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.

About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition

The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.