Polis Grand County Land Protection Bill Approved by House

Press Release

The Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 2014, sponsored by Representative Jared Polis (CO-02), passed the U.S. House of Representatives by unanimous voice vote yesterday. The bill protects a "wedge" of land in Grand County, located between Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest, by incorporating the parcel into the Arapaho National Forest. The bill also authorizes the federal government to acquire land within the designated area by donation or exchange from willing sellers.

Representative Polis testified at a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation hearing in support of the bill on September 9, 2014. The House Committee on Natural Resources later passed the legislation by unanimous consent on September 18, 2014.

"I am thrilled that the House has recognized the tremendous benefits of incorporating this new parcel into the Arapaho National Forest, including preventing development which could impact the adjoining Colorado River headwaters" said Rep. Polis. "Arapaho National Forest is visited by millions of people every year, and the inclusion of this "wedge' will ensure its natural beauty will be preserved and enjoyed by generations to come."

This bill is supported by the Grand County Board of County Commissioners, the Town of Grand Lake, the Headwaters Trails Alliance, and Conservation Colorado, along with all of the affected private landowners.

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