I am excited about the Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act, which was introduced by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and U.S. Congressman Joe Neguse earlier this year. <\/p>\n
The CORE Act is the culminating result of years of efforts by a broad and diverse coalition of stakeholders, including recreation groups, local businesses, sportsmen, ranchers, and local governments. Most importantly to me, I am pleased that more than 200,000 acres of land in the Thompson Divide have been included in the bill for permanent mineral withdrawal.<\/p>\n
The Thompson Divide is an important area for many different groups of people and, especially, for a variety of wildlife species. As one of the largest roadless areas in the state, it provides prime habitat for elk, deer and native cutthroat trout. <\/p>\n
Human use of this area also provides around 300 jobs and generates more than $30 million for the local economy. Permanently protecting Thompson Divide for current and future generations is the best path forward, and is what the local community wants.<\/p>\n
During the times I have lived in and visited Carbondale and Redstone I have enjoyed exploring the Thompson Divide and its adjacent environs. The Crystal River Valley is among the most beautiful areas I have seen. <\/p>\n
This area is one of the chief reasons I am moving back to Carbondale. I know many others who share my affection for this special area. Over the past 20 years we have enjoyed hiking, climbing, snowshoeing and skiing in the Thompson Divide area.<\/p>\n
I urge the Garfield County commissioners to once again support permanent legislative protection for Thompson Divide. Their lack of support is contradictory to their previous decade-long support for mineral withdrawal in the Thompson Divide and it undermines the years of work by their constituents to protect the area. <\/p>\n
I urge the commissioners to act in the best interests of their constituents and support the CORE Act. I also urge Sen. Cory Gardner and Rep. Scott Tipton to support, and vote yes for, the CORE Act.<\/p>\n