The Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, the biggest public land protection effort in Colorado in over a decade, almost made it across the finish line this fall. But not quite. The CORE Act would protect about 400,000 acres in the San Juan Mountains, the I-70 corridor and Thompson Divide. Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Joe Neguse deserve our thanks for their hard work to move it forward. It’s anticipated they’ll introduce it again early next year, and the fight will continue.

Protected public lands are key to the success of businesses like mine (Durango Outdoor Exchange) – it’s where my customers go to hike, fish and climb. The CORE Act is part of something bigger, too. A nationwide coalition of scientists and organizations is spearheading an effort to protect 30% of America’s land and waters by the year 2030. This “30x30” campaign is based on what the science community believes is an essential part of the effort to combat the devastating effects of climate change. Like other states, Colorado must do its part to aid in this – one of the defining crises of our time.

Let’s work together and get this done.

Chase LaCroixDurango