ICYMI: Rep. Neguse Delivers Remarks at Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument Designation

Statement

Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, Chair of the National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee, joined President Joe Biden as he designated Colorado's Camp Hale as the country's newest national monument.

KEY POINTS:

"When I first began serving in Congress, I had the special opportunity to tour these grounds with Sandy, a World War II veteran who trained at Camp Hale and spent his final years working to preserve this land. And Sandy once wrote, "I grew up in [an] America…that valued our wild lands, and this is a value that I hope lives on long after I am gone." Today, we made good. The president made good. Senator Bennet and Senator Hickenlooper and Governor Polis made good on the promise to Sandy. That this land is valued, and the service of the 10th Mountain Division will never, never be forgotten." […]

"I am so proud that after championing the protection of this area with Senator Bennet, who has been tireless for a decade, working to get this done, that we can now honor the legacy of Sandy and the 10th Mountain Division and that this will be a reality."

FULL REMARKS:

"Thank you, Secretary Vilsack, of course to Governor Polis, to my two colleagues in the United States Senate--Senator Bennet and Senator Hickenlooper--and to President Joe Biden.

Let me just say this, it is truly historic--truly special--for this president to have designated Camp Hale-Continental Divide as America's newest national monument and to make the decision to do it here, in this treasured landscape. Mr. President, we thank you.

Eagle County you can do better than that! Let's give another round of applause to the President of the United States.

I could not be more thrilled to be here today, on this historic day. We know that it would not be possible were it not for the tireless advocacy of the veterans of the 10th Mountain Division--there are many of whom are here today. Their families, you heard the governor talk about one, in particular, a veteran who is no longer with us, Sandy Treat. I believe Sandy Treat, Jr. is here. If he is, I hope he'll stand and raise his hand. Take a stand, Sandy Treat, Jr.

When I first began serving in Congress, I had the special opportunity to tour these grounds with Sandy, a World War II veteran who trained at Camp Hale and spent his final years working to preserve this land. And Sandy once wrote, "I grew up in America--in an America rather--that valued our wild lands, and this is a value that I hope lives on long after I am gone." Today, we made good. The president made good. Senator Bennet and Senator Hickenlooper and Governor Polis made good on the promise to Sandy. That this land is valued, and the service of the 10th Mountain Division will never, never be forgotten.

I am so proud that after championing the protection of this area with Senator Bennet, who has been tireless for a decade, working to get this done, that we can now honor the legacy of Sandy and the 10th Mountain Division and that this will be a reality.

And finally, let me just say a special thank you to all of you who are gathered here today. Mr. President, before you have hundreds of county commissioners, of local ranchers, of conservationists, of veterans, of folks who treasure our public lands, who have spent a great deal of time and effort making this possible. Beating the drum month after month, year after year, decade after decade. We are in your debt. We say "thank you," and we thank you, Mr. President.

Today is indeed a special day."

President Biden's Announcement:

Designated the 53,804 acres surrounding Camp Hale as the country's newest national monument.

Initiated consideration of a 20-year withdrawal of the Thompson Divide area from operation of the public land laws, mining laws, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights.

Allocated funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to improve and protect the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River System.

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