Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy

January 23, 2012

www.WesternPriorities.org

Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy14 Opportunities for the President andCongress to Preserve Western Lands

2Introduction

The United States of America has a strong tradition of protecting and preserving land

for the enjoyment of its citizens, the health of its waters and wildlife, and the benefit

of generations to come. For nearly 60 years, Congress and the executive branch

have consistently set aside new public lands to protect for posterity, including many

lands in the West.

That tradition of bipartisan land conservation came to an end at 11:56 a.m. on

January 3, 2013 when the 112th Congress gaveled itself closed without protecting

a single new acre of land for future generations. Members on both sides of the aisle

introduced over 50 separate pieces of legislation that would have set aside parcels

of land as national monuments, wilderness areas, National Conservation Areas, and

other permanently protected lands. Not a single one received a floor vote in either

chamber. Still, an examination of the proposed legislation and of the pristine lands

recommended for permanent preservation demonstrates that there is considerable

support and opportunities for land conservation.

While congressional support for conservation outranks congressional action to

protect land, things aren’t much better on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue.

While the Obama Administration has used its executive powers to protect some land,

a recent analysis by the Center for American Progress revealed that to date President

Obama has protected far less land than any of the previous four administrations.

Approximately 2.6 million acres of public land were permanently protected during

President Obama’s first term, compared against 17.8 million acres protected during

President George H.W. Bush’s term in office.

As the 113th Congress opens and President Obama begins his second term, there

is a unique opportunity for each branch to pick up the conservation baton and

work to enact meaningful protection measures. If they’re able to do so, they will be

continuing a great American tradition and carving out a legacy that will outlast this

Congress and Administration.

Center For Western Priorities | Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy

3

This report provides a selection

of proposals submitted by both

Republicans and Democrats to protect

lands in the American West, along with

popular measures that did not make it

into legislation. These proposals offer

a starting point for the new Congress

and the Obama Administration to make

meaningful progress toward shoring up

valuable tracts of land for generations to

come. Each selection is supported with

specific points regarding its features,

benefits, and economic impacts.

Notes: Includes wilderness areas, national parks, national recreation areas, national historical parks, national preserves, national reserves, national scenic areas, national scenic and wildlife areas, national scenic and botanic areas, national scenic research areas, national volcanic monuments, scenic recreation areas, miscellaneous national forest protected areas, national conservation areas, miscellaneous Bureau of Land Management protected areas, Wilderness Study Areas, congressionally and presidentially designated national monuments, and fee simple national wildlife refuges.

Does not reflect Marine National Monuments designated by President George W. Bush (Papahanaumokuakea Marine, Marianas Trench Marine, Pacific Remote Islands Marine, Rose Atoll Marine which together comprised more than 200 million acres of marine protection).

Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Foret Service, wilderness.net, The Wilderness Society

Source: Center for American Progress

Introduction

WesternPriorities.org

4

ColoradoMcKenna Peak WildernessProposed

The proposed McKenna Peak Wilderness offers an impressive diversity of topographic

features, from badlands to cliffs and from mesas to canyons. The variety makes for

outstanding recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, hunting, wildlife

viewing and rock climbing. Visitors to the area may see a bald eagle soar across the bright

blue sky or stumble upon a 100-million-year-old fossil. McKenna Peak also provides critical

wintering grounds for deer and elk herds that attract thousands of hunters to the area, a

boon for the local economy. The proposed wilderness area is located in Southwestern

Colorado, on the border between San Miguel and Dolores Counties.

In 2011 Senators Mark Udall (D-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) proposed the San Juan

Mountains Wilderness Act, which would have set aside over 8,600 acres for the McKenna

Peak Wilderness. Although the bill did not pass Congress, significant local support exists

for designating the McKenna Peak Wilderness, including the county commissioners from

San Miguel County and San Juan County, along with the Mayor of Telluride.

Colorado

McKenna PeakPhoto: rodeonexis photography


San Juan Mountains Wilderness ActSen. Mark Udall (D-CO), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)

8 , 6 0 0Acres Protected

This area contains critical wintering grounds for deer and elk herds.


5Colorado

Browns Canyon WildernessProposed

Located in central Colorado near the city of Salida, Browns Canyon is cut by the

Arkansas River as it descends from the peaks of the Rocky Mountains eastward

toward the Great Plains. As the Arkansas River courses through the canyon, it flows

by impressive cliffs and spires, passing hillsides covered by semi-arid piñon and

juniper woodlands. Browns Canyon is home to one of the nation’s most popular

whitewater rafting destinations, attracting visitors from across the country who enjoy

the Arkansas River’s fast-flowing rapids. The area is also a popular destination for

hunters, anglers, hikers and backpackers, featuring impressive rock features, wild

topography and abundant deer, elk, bighorn sheep and trout.

Permanently protecting Browns Canyon has received bipartisan support from

Colorado’s congressional delegation. In 2006 Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) and

Representative Joel Hefley (R-CO) introduced the Browns Canyon Wilderness Act

to permanently protect 20,000 acres of Browns Canyon. At the time, Senator Allard

said, “Not only will this bill protect one of Colorado’s great natural treasures, it will

bring more tourists to the surrounding area and help the economies of Chaffee and

Fremont Counties.” The bill was later reintroduced by Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO).

The Browns Canyon Wilderness proposal is also supported by a broad local

coalition, including the Chaffee County Board of Commissioners, Arkansas River

Outfitters Associations, Buffalo Peaks Back Country Horsemen, Collegiate Peaks

Trout Unlimited, and the International Mountain Bicycling Association, among others.

Browns Canyon Wilderness ActSen. Wayne Allard (R-CO), Rep. Joel Hefley (R-CO)

20,000Acres Protected

Browns Canyon is home to one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations.


Hermosa Creek WildernessProposed

Situated in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest near Durango, the Hermosa Creek

Watershed is home to breathtaking views and a diversity of wildlife, including the

Canada lynx, cutthroat trout and elk. In 2012, Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and

6Colorado

Mark Udall (D-CO) took steps to permanently protect Hermosa Creek with the

introduction of the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act. The proposal eliminates

the threat of new roads, mineral development or timber extraction within the 40,000

acres of the Hermosa Creek Wilderness. An additional 70,000 acres would remain

open for popular activities including mountain biking and motorized recreation.

The Hermosa Creek area was formally recommended for wilderness designation

by the U.S. Forest Service. The bill was developed on recommendations by the

Hermosa Creek Workgroup, a coalition of local water providers, conservation groups,

sportsmen, mountain bike riders, outfitters, ranchers, and property owners. Although

the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act has stalled in Congress, it maintains

broad-based local support.


Eagle and Summit County Wilderness Preservation ActRep. Jared Polis (D-CO)


Landslide deposits and volcanic instructions can be found in Bull Gulch.

Castle Peak and Bull Gulch WildernessProposed

The Bull Gulch and Castle Peak Wilderness Study Areas near Vail, Colorado offer visitors

a wide range of outdoor experiences in a unique setting. Hiking trails and campgrounds,

along with its rafting and kayaking opportunities on the Colorado River attract tourists

from throughout Colorado and beyond. Bull Gulch’s flora, rivers and streams create a

summer range that is home to herds of deer and elk, and the predators that hunt them.

Castle Peak’s herds make it a destination for sportsmen who can track game though

chest-high grasses, along a network of trails made from old vehicle tracks.

Bull Gulch and Castle Peak were last evaluated for wilderness status almost 30

years ago. Since then, their nearly 30,000 acres, within close proximity of popular

destinations like Vail, Breckenridge and Glenwood Springs, have become important

pieces of Colorado’s tourism and outdoor recreation industries. Both areas are more

than deserving of wilderness designation, an idea which has received local support from

both the Eagle and Summit County Boards of Commissioners. In 2011 Congressman

Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced the Eagle and Summit County Wilderness Preservation

Act, which would have permanently protected 81,790 new acres of wilderness in central

Colorado, including Castle Peak and Bull Gulch.

7

New MexicoOrgan Mountains WildernessProposed

New Mexico’s Organ Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the 100,000 residents

in the city of Las Cruces. Only a short 30-minute drive from the city, the Organ

Mountains range is well known for its rich biological diversity, supporting an

abundance of rare plants and animal species. The area is also a popular destination

for campers, bikers, hunters and horseback riders drawn to southern New Mexico’s

rugged landscape. A 2012 study by Headwaters Economics found that protected

public lands, like the Organ Mountains, provide Las Cruces and surrounding

communities with a competitive advantage by attracting tourists, along with new

businesses and talented employees interested in living near forests, parks and

wilderness.

While the region is currently managed for its wilderness qualities, it has not received

the permanent protections that it deserves. Action is in-process to protect these

New Mexico

Organ MountainsPhoto: surf44


Organ Mountains -- Dona Ana County Conservation Protection ActSen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Tom Udall (D-NM)


The Organ Mountains are named for the granite “needles” in the highest part of the range that resemble pipes from a pipe organ.

8

Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation AreaProposed

The proposed Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area is an area brimming

with natural beauty, abundant wildlife, unique geologic features, and ancient Native

American treasures.

Rio Grande del Norte’s trout, bighorn sheep, deer, bald eagles, and elk offer

sportsmen and wildlife observers rich opportunities for spotting, hunting and fishing.

The volcanic cones provide vistas for hikers and backpackers to look out over the

valley below. The proposed 236,000-acre National Conservation Area will provide

visitors with a rare glimpse into the origins of human activity in North America.

In 2011 Representative Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)

proposed the Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act,

which would permanently protect the area for all generations. The legislation was stalled

in Congress. By providing it permanent protections, Rio Grande del Norte will preserve

irreplaceable treasures and serve the community as an economic driver. More than 150

local businesses support the Bureau of Land Management’s control of the monument,

and community leaders throughout New Mexico have also endorsed the plan.

New Mexico


Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment ActRep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)


Eagles, falcons, hawks and many other birds frequent the area, as the Rio Grande Migratory Flyway is one of the great migratory routes of the world.

mountains and their habitats. In May 2011, Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Tom

Udall (D-NM) introduced the Organ Mountains – Doña Ana County Conservation and

Protection Act to permanently protect 400,000 acres as wilderness and National

Conservation Areas.

Columbine Hondo WildernessProposed

Columbine Hondo is a 45,000-acre, high alpine basin in the Sangre de Cristo

Mountains of northern New Mexico. The area is treasured by local residents,

ranchers, sportsmen and anglers alike. Home to the headwaters of the Rio Hondo

and Red River, the Columbine Hondo provides water to downstream communities,

offers an extensive trail system, and is a sanctuary for hikers, backpackers, hunters



10New Mexico

and anglers. The lush forests and meadows of the Columbine Hondo provide a

critical habitat for wildlife, including mule deer, elk, black bears, mountain lions,

bighorn sheep, marmots and pica.

Although the area has been managed as a Wilderness Study Area for decades, it has

yet to receive permanent protections. In 2012, Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and

Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act, which would

give permanent wilderness protections to the entire area. Wilderness designation is

widely supported by the local community, including local ranchers, sportsmen, and

the Taos Pueblo, along with local and regional conservation organizations.

Otero Mesa National MonumentProposed

The Otero Mesa is 1.2-million acres of undisturbed Chihuahuan Desert grassland

stretching across southern New Mexico. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Southwest’s

Serengeti,’ the area is home to over 1,000 species of native wildlife, including

pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, the endangered Northern Aplomado Falcon, and

bald and golden eagles. The Mesa also rests above the region’s largest untapped

water source, the Salt Basin Aquifer.

A growing chorus is calling on Congress or President Obama to permanently protect

the Otero Mesa. Former Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) lent his voice, calling

on the Obama Administration to designate the Otero Mesa National Monument.

Outdoor enthusiasts, who value the Otero Mesa for its extraordinary natural beauty

and unique hunting opportunities, are encouraging the designation. The Mescalero

Apache, a tribe with ancestral ties to the area, believes the landscape should be

permanently set aside. In addition to attracting tourists to the region, the Otero Mesa

National Monument can anchor a service and retirement economy driven by people

attracted to the region’s climate and protected public lands.

10

IdahoBoulder-White Clouds WildernessProposed

Representative Mike Simpson (R-ID) has spent the better part of a decade working to

permanently protect the majestic Boulder and White Cloud Mountains of central Idaho.

In 2011, Representative Simpson introduced the Central Idaho Economic Development

and Recreation Act, which proposed over 330,000 acres of new wilderness, including

the White Clouds Wilderness, the Jerry Peaks Wilderness and the Hemingway-Boulders

Wilderness. Representative Simpson’s effort to set aside the Boulder-White Clouds

Wilderness was preceded by similar attempts dating back to the 1970s, all of which

failed.

The area, nevertheless, is very deserving of wilderness status. The Boulder-White Clouds

represents the wild northern Rockies, with stunning scenery, crystal clear lakes and

abundant wildlife that attract hunters, anglers, photographers and hikers alike. Visitors

can explore the diverse landscape of central Idaho, hike to high elevation lakes, and may

even be lucky enough to spot a black bear, mountain lion or golden eagle.

Idaho

Castle and Merriam PeaksPhoto: Fredlyfish4

Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation ActRep. Mike Simpson (R-ID)


This proposed wilderness area contains part of the largest unprotected area without roads in the lower 48.


11

MontanaRocky Mountain Front WildernessIntroduced

The Rocky Mountain Front in northern Montana is where the Great Plains abruptly hit

the soring Rocky Mountains. The Front is a truly wild landscape, with big mountains,

rocky crags, rolling foothills and wide open valleys. The sudden change from prairie

to peaks provides a unique wildlife habitat, making the Rocky Mountain Front a

hunter’s paradise. Numerous species call the Rocky Mountain Front home, including

lynx, wolves, grizzly bears and wolverines, along with elk, moose, black bears,

antelope and mule deer. Hunting and fishing provide approximately $11 million in

economic benefit to communities along the Front.

In 2011, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage

Act to permanently protect the Rocky Mountain Front for hunters, anglers and

outdoor enthusiasts in the future. If passed, the act would set aside 67,000 acres

of the Rocky Mountain Front as wilderness, in addition to improving noxious weed

eradication and prevention to protect nearby farms and ranches.

Montana

Rocky Mountain FrontPhoto: Will_K_Montana


Rocky Mountain Front Heritage ActSen. Max Baucus (D-MT)


Hunting and fishing provide approximately $11 million in economic revenue to communities along the Rocky Mountain Front.

12Montana

Forest Jobs and Recreation ActIntroduced

Senator John Tester’s (D-MT) Forest Jobs and Recreation Act doesn’t protect

just one wilderness area, but rather permanently protects nearly 700,000 acres of

spectacular lands across western Montana. It also establishes over 300,000 acres

of recreation areas. The bill, introduced in 2009 and again in 2011, was developed

through a collaborative effort between hunters, anglers, loggers, conservationists,

motorized vehicle users, mountain bikers, and business owners from across

Montana. The bill has multiple purposes. It allows for restoration forestry in select

areas to restore watersheds, reduce wildfire risk, and restore rural economies. It

guarantees access to snowmobilers and ATV users in certain areas. It also provides

permanent protection for eight new wilderness areas.

The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act represents an innovative approach to

conserving our public lands, and carefully balances the use of natural resources

with the permanent protection of some of Montana’s most special places. The

coalition of supporters includes timber companies, local and national conservation

organizations, community groups, outfitter businesses, backcountry sportsmen and

horsemen, and off-road vehicle enthusiasts.


Forest Jobs and Recreation ActSen. Jon Tester (D-MT)


This bill would allow for restoration of watersheds, reduced wildfire risk, and help restore rural economies.

Sleeping Giant Wilderness


The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail passes through this beautiful ridgeline.

Sleeping Giant WildernessIntroduced

Consisting of 11,000 acres north of Helena, Montana, the current Sleeping Giant

Wilderness Study Area provides critical wildlife habitat and scenic recreational

opportunities within an hour of Helena’s nearly 30,000 people. Sleeping Giant is

a popular destination for hunters, hikers, photographers, and wildlife watchers.

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail passes through, offering visitors the

opportunity to experience Montana’s natural beauty as Lewis and Clark did during

their expedition through America’s Western Frontier. Seven miles of ridgeline hiking

trails provides stunning panoramas of the Rocky Mountains. Sleeping Giant is also

home to a diversity of important wildlife, including mountain goats, elk, black bears,

mule deer, osprey and golden eagles.

13Montana

While Sleeping Giant is currently managed as a Wilderness Study Area for its

wilderness qualities, it is deserving of the permanent protections bestowed by

wilderness designation – a status that has received long-standing support from area

residents, the local planning board, and the Lewis and Clark County Commissioners.


14

UtahGrandeur Peak WildernessProposed

In 2012 Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT) introduced the Wasatch Wilderness and

Watershed Protection Act. If passed, the act would expand wilderness and enhance

watershed protections to more than 26,000 acres of the Wasatch Front Canyons

above Salt Lake City, Utah. The Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act

is the culmination of a close collaboration between the Salt Lake Water Department,

local ski resorts, heli-skiing guides, environmental groups, backcountry skiers, and

the mountain biking community. In addition to providing permanent wilderness

status to Grandeur Peak—a popular backcountry destination within close proximity

to Salt Lake City— it would also expand the Mt. Olympus Wilderness, Twin Peaks

Wilderness, and Lone Peaks Wilderness. The bill also protects clean water supplies

and resolves an ongoing conflict between backcountry skiers and Snowbird Ski resort.

Utah

Grandeur Peak WildernessPhoto: danfay1009

Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection ActRep. Jim Matheson (D-UT)


Grandeur Peak is a popular backcountry destination close to Salt Lake City.


Desolation Canyon WildernessProposed

Eastern Utah’s Desolation Canyon is a sight to behold. The Green River cuts

through the canyon, past impressive rock formations, white sand beaches, and

cottonwood forests, offering rafters and kayakers the opportunity to experience

Utah’s awe-inspiring Red Rock Country. Along with Desolation Canyon’s first-class

whitewater river recreation, the canyons offer exceptional hunting and backpacking

opportunities.

Desolation Canyon and its surrounding area have attracted interest from oil and

gas companies for development. In 2010, a coalition of conservation organizations

negotiated an agreement with Bill Barrett Corporation to reduce the footprint of

planned industrial oil and gas development on lands around Desolation Canyon.

The agreement ensured that the proposed Desolation Canyon Wilderness remained

undeveloped, but without permanent protections there is no guarantee this treasure

of Utah’s Red Rock Country will remain intact for future generations.

Desolation Canyon, currently managed as a Wilderness Study Area, is nearly

300,000 acres. Permanent protection of the Desolation Canyon has received local

backing, including from Grand County where the Desolation Canyon falls.


15Utah

Desolation Canyon WildernessDesolation Canyon is a popular whitewater rafting location through Utah’s impressive Red Rock Country.

16Resources

Alexander, B. (2010). “Otero Mesa and the Role of a Potential National Monument.” Headwaters Economics. Accessed 1/21/13: http://headwaterseconomics.org/pubs/Economics_of_Possible_Otero_Monument_.pdf.

Alexander, B. (2012). “Doña Ana County’s Public Lands and Economic Prosperity.” Headwaters Economics. Accessed 1/21/13: http://headwaterseconomics.org/wphw/wp-content/uploads/DonaAna_County_Report.pdf.

Associated Press. (2008). “Sen. Salazar Introduces New Browns Canyon Wilderness Bill.” Aspen Times. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20080524/NEWS/883852379.

Boulder White Clouds Council. [Website]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.wildwhiteclouds.org/.

Bureau of Land Management, Colorado. (2013). “Wilderness Study Areas.” Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/sjplc/wilderness.print.html.

Casaus, M. (2011). “Protecting the Organ Mountains Hits Home.” The Wilderness Society. Accessed 1/21/13: http://wilderness.org/blog/protecting-organ-mountains-hits-home.

Colorado’s Canyon Country Wilderness Proposal Areas. (2006).”Bull Gulch.” Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.canyoncountrywilderness.org/bullgulch.htm.

Colorado’s Canyon Country Wilderness Proposal Areas. (2006).”Castle Peak.” Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.canyoncountrywilderness.org/castlepeak.htm.

Congressman Jim Matheson. (2012). “Matheson Bill Seeks to Protect Vital Wasatch Canyons Water Source.” [Press Release]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://matheson.house.gov/news-releases/matheson-bill-seeks-to-protect-vital-wasatch-canyons-water-source/.

Friends of Browns Canyon. (2013). [Website]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://brownscanyon.org/.

Goad, J and Goldfuss, C. (2013). “President Obama Needs to Establish a Conservation Legacy in Addition to a Drilling Legacy.” Center for American Progress. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2013/01/10/49105/president-obama-needs-to-establish-a-conservation-legacy-in-addition-to-a-drilling-legacy/.

Hansen, H. (2011). “Otero Mesa: A Monumental Fight.” Red Lodge Clearinghouse. Accessed 1/21/13: http://rlch.org/blog/2011/11/8/otero-mesa-monumental-fight.

Hargrave, J. (2010). “Congressman Matheson Introduces Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act.” Utah Outside. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.utahoutside.com/2010/04/congressman-matheson-introduces-wasatch-wilderness-and-watershed-protection-act/.

Mitton, J. (2012). “Browns Canyon National Monument?” Daily Camera. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.dailycamera.com/science-columnists/ci_21015536/jeff-mitton-browns-canyon-national-monument.

MontanaForests.org. “Why Conservationists Support the Forest Jobs and Restoration Act.” Accessed 1/21/13: http://wilderness.org/sites/default/files/legacy/Forest-Jobs-and-Recreation-Act.pdf.

MontanaForests.org. (2012). “Forest Jobs and Recreation Act.” Mountain West News. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.mountainwestnews.org/Page3.aspx?a=ALookAHead&ID=79.

MontanaForests.org. (2012). [Website]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.montanaforests.org/.


17Resources

Montana Wildlife Federation. “The Rocky Mountain Front: Big Country for Big Game.” Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.montanawildlife.com/hunting_values_rmf_web.pdf.

Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks National Monument. (2013). [Website]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.organmountains.org/.

Red Lodge Clearinghouse. (2009). “Homegrown Solution or Abdication? - Sen. Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act Offers a Provocative Approach”. Accessed 1/21/13: http://rlch.org/blog/2009/18/12/homegrown-solution-or-abdication-sen-tester%E2%80%99s-forest-jobs-and-recreation-act-offers-.

Reichbauch, M. (2010). “Guv Wants Obama to name Otero Mesa a national monument.” New Mexico Independent. Accessed 1/21/13: http://newmexicoindependent.com/66674/guv-wants-obama-to-name-otero-mesa-a-national-monument.

Rio Grande del Norte: Permanent Protection of Northern New Mexico’s Legacy Today and for the Future. [Website]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.riograndedelnorte.org/.

Senator Mark Udall. (2011). “Udall Introduces Bill to Expand San Juan Mountain Wilderness.” [Press Release]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1496.

Senator Max Baucus. “Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act: Montana Resource Guide.” Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.baucus.senate.gov/?p=general&id=86.

Senator Michael Bennet. (2012). “Bennet Introduces Bill to Preserve Hermosa Creek Watershed.” [Press Release]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.bennet.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/bennet-introduces-bill-to-preserve-hermosa-creek-watershed.

The Columbine Hondo Wilderness Coalition. (2012). [Website]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.columbinehondo.org/.

The Wilderness Society. (2010). “Conservation Groups, Oil and Gas Company Negotiate Agreement to Protect Desolation Canyon.” [Press Release]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://wilderness.org/press-release/conservation-groups-oil-and-gas-company-negotiate-agreement-protect-desolation-canyon.

The Wilderness Society. (2012). “Rio Grande Del Norte: Work We Are Doing”. Accessed 1/21/13: http://wilderness.org/article/work-we-are-doing-rio-grande-del-norte.

University of Montana. (2012). “The Battle for New Wilderness: A Closer Look at Montana’s Sleeping Giant Accessed.” High Country News. 1/21/13: http://www.hcn.org/blogs/range/the-battle-for-new-wilderness-a-closer-look-at-montanas-sleeping-giant.

U.S. Department of the Interior. (2011). “Preliminary Report on BLM Lands Deserving Protection as National Conservation Areas, Wilderness or Other Conservation Designations.” Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=267130.

Van Buren, M. (2012). “Sen. Bingaman introduces Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act.” Taos News. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.taosnews.com/news/article_5a52239a-9612-11e1-ae17-001a4bcf887a.html.


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The Center for Western Priorities is a nonpartisan engagement center that serves as a source of accurate information, promotes responsible policies and practices, and ensures accountability at all levels to protect land, water, and

communities in the American West.

Documents

Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy