Udall: Land Purchase to Strengthen James Peak Wilderness Area Shows Importance of Land, Water Conservation Fund
Press Release
Mark Udall, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said the U.S. Forest Service's acquisition of 823 acres of private land near the James Peak Wilderness Area shows the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund in safeguarding Colorado's public lands. The acquisition, located near the East Portal Trailhead in Gilpin County, will prevent future development bordering on the wilderness area and will safeguard a critical watershed for the Denver Metro Area.
"This important acquisition underscores why I have urged the White House and my colleagues to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund," Udall said. "Acquisitions, like this 823-acre purchase near the James Peak Wilderness Area, are essential to ensuring future generations of outdoorsmen, sportsmen and anglers can access and enjoy the pristine public lands that support our way of life in Colorado."
Udall has been a strong supporter of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which helps preserve and improve access to federal lands in Colorado and across the nation. Udall urged the White House in late January to redouble its efforts to fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Udall also co-sponsored the bipartisan Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act of 2013, which would use a portion of the proceeds from off-shore oil and gas production to strengthen the fund.
Udall also has been a strong supporter of cost-effective public land acquisitions that support local communities while strengthening Colorado's wildlands. Udall championed a common-sense land swap, completed in December 2013, that improved fire safety for the approximately 500 households the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District safeguards west of Boulder. Udall also has led the push in Congress to convey 40 acres of federal administrative land from the U.S. Forest Service Dillon Ranger District to Summit County so the county can support local jobs by building affordable, workforce housing.
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