Support for 2023 Reintroduction of the CORE Act

“We took a great step in honoring our veterans and protecting wild outdoor places that provide solitude when President Biden designated the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument last fall. Thankfully, Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Joe Neguse have joined us in saying that it’s time to finish the job and pass the CORE Act in its entirety. The Act has so much local support, including from veterans like me, that Congress should find a way to pass the bill this year and send it to the President’s desk.” – Josh Jespersen, former U.S. Navy SEAL 

“The people of Gunnison have a lot at stake in the CORE Act, with proposed protections for the Thompson Divide, Kebler Pass, and Mt. Emmons, and the official designation of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The strong bipartisan support in our community should translate into support from both sides of the aisle in Congress. We urge our elected Representatives and Senators to pass the CORE Act as soon as possible and thank Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, and Rep. Neguse, for their steadfast support for this effort on behalf of our community.” City of Gunnison Mayor Diego Plata 

“The CORE Act is a cornerstone effort to secure permanent protections for Colorado landscapes important to supporting our communities, habitat connectivity, and our state’s conservation priorities. We thank Senator Bennet for championing this legislation and we urge Congress to act swiftly to pass it.” – Kelly Nordini, Executive Director, Conservation Colorado

“Colorado families are raising their children here for our quality of life, which includes all the benefits and opportunities of the outdoors. Nothing can compare to watching a child’s face light up when they see a deer in the wild for the first time. Moms across Colorado love the CORE Act because we want to share our love of the outdoors, favorite way to recreate, and exercise with our kids. We hope to see it pass quickly to ensure that our grandchildren and theirs can experience the same chance to play and experience a sense of awe. As an added benefit, protected public lands will also help address the climate crisis that threatens our children’s future.” – Jen Clanahan, Colorado State Director, Mountain Mamas

“The CORE Act, through mineral withdrawal of the Red Lady (also known as Mt. Emmons), would be a giant step towards achieving a defining issue for the Crested Butte community. Let’s get it done!” – Ian Billick, Mayor of Crested Butte

“Hunters and anglers have seen first-hand how degraded wildlife habitat is negatively impacting the health of wildlife and our sporting traditions. Passing legislation like the CORE Act is imperative to conserving healthy wildlife habitat and restoring lands that have been degraded by impacts from climate change. The CORE Acts protects some of the finest fish and game habitat remaining in Colorado. I’m grateful that Senator Bennet and Representative Neguse have listened to local community leaders, who have long advocated for the conservation of these very special areas.” – Aaron Kindle, director of sporting advocacy for the National Wildlife Federation

“The climbing community in Colorado and across the country have a lot invested in the CORE Act—and for good reason. We applaud Senator Hickenlooper, Senator Bennet, and Representative Neguse for leading the way in protecting these iconic landscapes, the wildlife habitats that make them special, and American climbing history for future generations.” – Erik Murdock, vice president of policy & government affairs, Access Fund

“I’m thrilled to see protection for the Thompson and Continental Divides reintroduced as part of the CORE ACT by long-time champions Senator Bennet and Representative Neguse. Our community remains united around permanent protections for the Thompson Divide, building on the proposed 20-year administrative mineral withdrawal process currently underway. We’re also dedicated to achieving the wilderness, wildlife, and recreation protections included in the CORE act for the Continental Divide, a geologically and ecologically linked landscape of iconic public lands.” – Will Roush, Wilderness Workshop Executive Director

“We’re deeply grateful to Senator Bennet and Rep. Neguse for reintroducing and championing the CORE Act. While the proposed 20-year administrative mineral withdrawal is a much-needed interim measure, we know our ranching and recreation community wants to see this watershed permanently protected, which can only be done with federal legislation. We look forward to the passage of this bill in the near future.”  – Jason Sewell, owner of Sunfire Ranch and President of the Thompson Divide Coalition

“The reintroduction of the CORE Act represents an opportunity to use our local public lands to help us solve the climate crisis. Critically for us, a small Western Slope business, this legislation clarifies how we can mitigate waste methane, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs. With the support of a broad range of diverse stakeholders, the passage of the CORE Act is long overdue, and an important investment in Colorado’s future.” – Christopher Caskey, Founder, Delta Brick & Climate Company

“Our national park landscapes are cherished for their natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the recreational and economic benefits they bring to communities. With bipartisan, local support at the forefront, passage of the CORE Act this Congress is long overdue, vital toward protecting cherished places like the Curecanti National Recreation Area, and will benefit future generations. NPCA is grateful for the leadership of Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and Congressman Neguse and the incredible coalition leading this effort.” – Tracy Coppola, Colorado Senior Program Manager,  National Parks Conservation Association 

“It is fantastic to see the CORE Act being reintroduced in Congress. Among the many good things that the CORE Act will bring to Colorado, it will be so important to finally have authorizing legislation for Curecanti National Recreation Area for the first time since it was established in 1965.” – Bruce Noble, retired National Park Service superintendent for Curecanti National Recreation Area

“Over the past few years, public lands have been a bright spot in our nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic with residents and visitors finding solace in the outdoors more than ever.  Following the designation of the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument, it is now time for Congress to finish the job and pass the CORE Act in its entirety. So many of Colorado’s local elected officials are excited to see all the places within the CORE Act protected by Congress in 2023. We are grateful to Senator Bennet and Representative Neguse, along with Senators Hickenlooper and Representatives Crow, Pettersen, Caraveo, and Degette for re-introducing this critical piece of legislation for Colorado and our county.” – Anna Peterson, Executive Director, The Mountain Pact 

“The Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act has support from across our state because Coloradans love our public lands. We are thrilled that this legislation, which will designate more recreation areas and more wilderness areas in our state, has been reintroduced. The CORE Act will protect beautiful high country areas like Ice Lake Basin and McKenna Peak in the San Juan Mountains from mining and development so they can be enjoyed by hikers now and in the future.” – Ellen Montgomery, Environment Colorado Public Lands Campaign Director.

“Today, we celebrate the introduction of the CORE Act, homegrown conservation legislation that would conserve critical wildlife habitat, safeguard incredible recreation opportunities, and protect the Thompson Divide from future oil and gas development. We especially appreciate the perseverance and leadership of the CORE Act’s primary sponsors – Senator Bennet and Rep. Neguse – and know that they will finish the job by protecting these quintessentially Colorado landscapes for generations to come. Congress should recognize the deep and broad support this legislation enjoys in Colorado and find a way to pass the CORE Act this year.” – Jim Ramey, Colorado State Director for The Wilderness Society

“The CORE Act would safeguard thousands of miles of streams including native cutthroat trout habitat and Gold Medal fishing waters. We thank our elected representatives in Congress for their continued efforts to protect these treasured landscapes and the future of Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy.” – Jay Chancellor, Southwest Director for Trout Unlimited

“As mayor of Carbondale. I see every day how much our community loves the Thompson Divide – whether it’s in formal town resolutions or the many ‘Unified for Thompson Divide’ yard signs around town. The Divide is foundational to our economy, culture, and ecology, and I’m proud to join the chorus of Carbondale voices calling for passage of the CORE Act.” – Ben Bohmfalk, mayor of Carbondale, CO

“Through eight different councils, the City of Glenwood Springs has continued to support protections for the Thompson Divide. As our town’s newest mayor, I’m honored to add my name to the list of elected officials who have proudly supported an area that is critical to what makes Glenwood Springs such a special place to live, work, and play. Thank you Senator Bennet and Representative Neguse!” – Ingrid Wussow, Mayor of Glenwood Springs, CO

“The CORE Act offers the chance for essential protections from Congress for some of Colorado’s most inspiring places for the first time in decades. Small business owners, county commissioners, conservation leaders, and veterans alike have spent years working to see these areas protected. Protections for these special places like the Continental Divide will ensure that outdoor enthusiasts and the public lands they recreate on will continue to be sustainable fuel for Colorado’s lucrative outdoor recreation economy for generations to come. Passage of the CORE Act is not only an investment in our local economies but an investment in healthier communities who benefit from clean water to drink, pristine lands to enjoy, and abundant wildlife that call these places home.” – Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition

“The western slope of Colorado is dependent on the health and vitality of its public lands. The reintroduction of the CORE Act into Congress represents an opportunity to protect landscapes near and dear to local communities in Colorado, and we look forward to it being passed into law.” – Ben Katz, Public Lands Program Director, Western Slope Conservation Center

“As a long-time supporter of many of the individual components of the CORE Act, such as the San Juan Wilderness component that dates back more than a decade, I’m thrilled to hear the Act is being re-introduced. Let’s finally get it across the finish line!” – Town of Ridgway, Colorado Mayor John Clark

Colorado Business Owners Support the CORE Act

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act) is the most significant effort to protect Colorado’s cherished landscapes and our outdoor recreation economy in over a generation. Is your business interested in supporting The CORE Act? Submit your business’ support for the CORE Act here.

Gov. Jared Polis
Colorado Department of Military
and Veterans Affairs
Counties
Eagle
Garfield*
Gunnison
Ouray
San Juan
San Miguel
Summit

Pitkin
Municipalities
Basalt
Breckenridge
Carbondale
Crested Butte
Dillon
Frisco
Glenwood Springs
Gunnison
Minturn

Mt. Crested Butte
Mountain Village
Ophir
Paonia
Ridgway
Salida
Snowmass Village
Steamboat Springs
Telluride
Vail

Organizations

The Conservation Alliance
The Pew Charitable Trusts
The Trust for Public Land
The Wilderness Society
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Thompson Divide Coalition
Trout Unlimited
Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy Dist.
Vet Voice Foundation
West Elk Look Scenic and Historic Byway
Western Colorado Alliance
Western Slope Conservation Center
Wilderness Workshop

Businesses

4 Corners Riversports, Durango
Abbey’s Coffee, Frisco
Adobe Inn & Mexican Cuisine, Ridgway
Alex Noriega Photography, Grand Junction
Alfred Eames Cellars, Paonia
Alpacka Raft, Mancos
Alpine Edge Engineering, Ridgway
Alternative Power Enterprises, Inc, Ridgway
American Alpine Club, Golden
Americas for The North Face
Amulet Arts, Ridgway
Amy’s Farms LLC, Hotchkiss
Applied Earth Sciences Consultants, Ridgway
Applied Ecological Services, Montrose
Arapahoe Basin
Aspen Kettle Corn, Aspen
Aspen Skiing Company, Aspen
Aspire Colorado LLC, Golden
Augustina’s Winery, Nederland
Avalanche Ranch Cabins &
Hot Springs, Redstone
Backbone Media LLC, Carbondale
Backcountry Herbal Apothecary, Frisco
Batch Provisions, Carbondale
berbur llc, Denver
Blue Grouse Bread, Norwood
Blue Sky Baking Co, Hotchkiss
Bluebird Realty & Management, Ridgway
BoldBrew, Durango
Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs, Ouray
Brush Creek Caretaking, Eagle
BTB Construction & Consulting LLC, Ridgway
Buckhorn Coffee, Montrose
Burro Corp., Ridgway
C&M CO., Inc, Montrose
CAM Electric Inc, Montrose
Camel’s Garden Resort Hotel, Telluride
Camilla’s Kaffe, Fruita
Caribou Club, Aspen
Chef Stefan, Inc (Crumb Bakery & Cafe), Ridgway
Chicks Climbing and Skiing, Ouray
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort, Ridgway
Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer, Paonia
Ciavonne Roberts & Associates, Inc.,
Grand Junction
Cimarron Guitars, Ridgway
Cimarron Ridge Ranch, Ridgway
Citizens Climate Lobby.org, Montrose
Cold Mountain Ranch, Carbondale
Colorado Headwaters, Salida
Colorado Paddle Company, Durango
Conatus Counsel, Fort Collins
Copeka Coffee, Grand Junction
Copper Club Brewing Co., Fruita
Corruption Backcountry Outpost, Nathrop
Cowgirl Creations Flowers LLC, Ridgway
Crafty, Inc. , Telluride
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project, Denver
Crystal Fly Shop, Carbondale
Crystal River Meats LLC, Carbondale
Danika Gilbert, LLC, Ridgway
DeBelina Construction, Durango
Deer Tree Farm & Agroforest LLC, Hotchkiss
Delta Brick and Climate Co, Paonia, Montrose/Somerset
Design Project, Glenwood Springs
Dohm-Icebox, LLC, Longmont
Double D Ranch, Ridgway
Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores
Durango Outdoor Exchange, Durango

Dvorak Expeditions, Nathrop
Earth Coast Productions, Boulder
Ecliptic Imagery, LLC, Longmont
Elevation Mountain Grown Herbal Tea LLC, Hotchkiss
Empowered Energy Systems, Hotchkiss
Envision.Believe.Create. Marketing, Eagle
Exotic Earth Coffee Roasters, Ridgway
Farm Runners LLC, Hotchkiss
Ferguson Family Ranches, LLC, Ridgway
Fetch’s Mining and Mercantile, Silverton
Fourpoints Bar, Denver
Ghost Town, Telluride
Glenn Randall Writing & Photography, Boulder
Government, City of Grand Junction
Grappa Fine Wine, Vail
Green Spaces Coworking, Denver
GreenSky Systems, Longmont
Gunnison Energy, Denver
Hala Gear, Steamboat Springs
Healing Hearts, Opening Minds, Ridgway
Healthy by Design, Arvada
Herbwalker Tours, Telluride
High Alpine Brewing Company, Gunnison
High Camp LLC, Telluride
High Country Conservation Center, Frisco
High Desert Life Outdoors Ltd, Cortez
Highland Communication Works, Denver
Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, Fort Collin
Icelantic, Golden
ID Sculpture, Gunnison
Jagged Edge Mountain Gear, Telluride
Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, Denver
Jeffrey Turre Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Grand Junction
Jim Stephenson Photography, Ridgway
Jon Mullen Gallery, Boulder
Kannah Consulting, Grand Junction
Kendra’s Kitchen, Telluride
Kiitella, Inc., Ridgway
KRKA, Ouray
La Cocina de Luz, Telluride
Lost Mesa Design LLC, Paonia
Main Street Gallery and The Framer, Carbondale
Marble Distilling Co., CarbondaleMedia Safari, Avon
Mind Over Mountains, Ridgway
mix projects + atelier, Telluride
Mobile Art, Ridgway
Monique Vidal Interior Design, Carbondale
Mountain Toad Brewing, Golden
Mountainfilm, Telluride
Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure
Company, Durango
Mountain Window and Door Inc,
Steamboat Springs
Mouses Chocolates Inc, Ouray
Ned & Co., Boulder
New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins
Nicholoff Summit Construction LLC, Hotchkiss
Olioveto LLC, Telluride
OPUS Hut LLC, Silverton
Osprey Packs Inc., Cortez
Ouray Mountain Sports, Ouray
Peak Anesthesia Services LLC, Grand Junction
Pedersen Architect, Telluride
People First Accounting, Montrose
Phat Thai, Carbondale
Powder7, Golden
Princess Beef, Hotchkiss
Pro Management & Associates, Montrose

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., Newburg
Puesta de Sol Vineyards LLC, Paonia
QBS Event Management, Ridgway
Raitman Art Galleries, Breckenridge & Vail
Ravenswood Outdoors, Salida
Redstone Mountain Mercantile, Redstone
Relish Studio, Boulder, Black Hawk
Revel Bikes, Carbondale
Ridgway Office Supply & Service, Ridgway
RIGS Fly Shop & Guise Service, Ridgway
Rivers Clothing Company, Frisco
Roaring Fork Building Specialties, Basalt
Roan Creek Ranch, Grand Junction
Rocky Mountain Coffee Roasters, Frisco
Salida Mountain Sports, Salida
San Juan Alpacas, Telluride
Scott Keating Design, Basalt
Sean McWilliams Forge, Carbondale
Seattle Fish Company, Montrose
Seek Outside, Grand Junction
Shaklee Distributor: Gibson, Montrose
Shoe Inn Boutique, Frisco
Shrine Mountain Inn, Carbondale
Simba Suites, Ouray
Small Potatoes Farm, Paonia
Smiling Buddha Yaks, Ridgway
Solarize Montrose, Montrose
SOM Footwear, LLC, Montrose
Sprout Design Studio, Ridgway
Stem Ciders LLC, Denver, Lafayette
Stephen B. Johnson Law Firm, P.C., Telluride
Suffer Better, Denver
Sunfire Ranch, Carbondale
Sunshine Beef, Crawford
Sweet Fleur, Denver
Tailwind Nutrition, Bayfield, Durango
Telluride Angler, Telluride
Telluride Brewing Company, Telluride
Telluride Fire Festival, Telluride
Telluride Outside, Telluride
Telluride Ski & Golf, Telluride
Teri Lester, Engel & Volkers, Vail
The Cirque Boutique, Paonia
The Coffee Cowboy, Telluride
The Colorado Yurt Company, LLC, Montrose
The Gourmet Kitchen Catering, Broomfield
The Pullman, Glenwood Springs
The Storm Cellar Winery, Hotchkiss
Thistle Whistle Farm Hotchkiss
Timberline Events LLC, Englewood
Tim’s Naturals, Telluride
Topoglow Granola, Longmont
TryGreener, Brighton
Tyler Stableford Productions, Carbondale
Upslope Brewing Company, Boulder
Vail Resorts
Van Sickle Farm and Airbnb, Palisade
Vintage Ski World, LLC, Carbondale
WaterGap Ranch, Carbondale
Western Rise Inc., Telluride
Western Slope SUP, Hotchkiss
Why Cycles, Inc., Carbondale
Wide Range Photo, LLC, Ridgway
Wild Rose Education, Carbondale
Women’s Empowerment Workshop, Eagle
Woods Boss Brewing Company, Denver/Colorado
Wrich Ranches LLC, Crawford
XK Bar Ranch, Crawford
Zuni Street Brewing Co., Denver

*Garfield County supports the Thompson Divide withdrawal and coal mine methane capture areas in their county.