Patrick McKay’s recent letter, “
Contrary to the claim that the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act lacks consensus, the legislation – which is a combination of four previously introduced bills – was crafted over many years of outreach and dialogue with a broad array of stakeholders. This meticulous process has resulted in an impressive degree of support over the years – seven counties, eight municipalities, hundreds of local businesses, and interests as diverse as hunters and anglers, ranchers, mountain bike organizations, and historic organizations – all are on record in support.
Opposition to the CORE Act from the motorized recreation community is based largely on a misinformation campaign conducted by state-based motorized organizations from Denver, who simply oppose land protections.
McKay states that the CORE Act “would convert thousands of acres of land currently open to motorized use into protected wilderness” – this is false. The current San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forest management plans are clear that the proposed Sheep Mountain SMA is presently closed to snowmobiling, and the bill makes no change to that status. Other trails mentioned in McKay’s letter – Imogene Pass, Spraddle Creek and Tenderfoot Mountain Trails – are all completely unaffected by the CORE Act.
My group, Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, strongly supports this act and encourages Sen.Gardner and Rep. Tipton to vote for this important legislation.
Dan Parkinson
Durango
