Hearing Of The Subcommittee On National Parks, Forests And Public Lands Of The House Committee On Natural Resources - Legislative Hearing On H.R. 4289'

Statement

Hearing Of The Subcommittee On National Parks, Forests And Public Lands Of The House Committee On Natural Resources - Legislative Hearing On H.R. 4289'

The Subcommittee will now come to order. Thank you.
Today we will receive testimony on H.R. 4289: Colorado
Wilderness Act of 2009. The legislation proposes
designating approximately 850,000 acres across the State of
Colorado as part of the National Wilderness Preservation
System.
Our Colleague, Representative Diana DeGette, has been
a tireless champion of the Colorado Wilderness Act. She
understands the unique threats facing her state's last
pristine areas, and she has modified her legislation over the
years to address the changing landscape and to protect the
highest priority areas.
Recently, the Subcommittee heard testimony on another
Colorado wilderness bill, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness
Act, introduced by Representative John Salazar. During the
hearing, it was clear that despite the sometimes
controversial nature of land management issues, Mr. Salazar
had walked a path of collaboration and compromise that led
to a strongly endorsed piece of legislation.
As a wilderness champion myself, I recognize that there
are multiple ways to successfully pass wilderness
legislation. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses
about the Colorado Wilderness Act and the lands across
Colorado proposed for designation. The citizens of Colorado
are lucky to have representatives that are so dedication to
the preservation of the unique areas across their state.
I would now like to turn to Ranking Member Bishop for
any opening statement he may have.

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