HomeMy WebLinkAbout896 - REGARDING the Citizens Wilderness Proposal. Intro 12/18/01. Adopted 12/18/2001.RESOLUTION NO. 896
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING WILDERNESS DESIGNATION
FOR CERTAIN BLM LANDS
WHEREAS, the wild wuntry of Colorado plays a significant role in the health and economy of
our state, boosting tourism and drawing a high quality work force. Some land parcels also
provide critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. These lands aze threatened by
population growth and development, and could be lost to future generations unless steps are
taken to provide permanent protection; and
WHEREAS, a nurnber of Colorado conservation groups and individuals have been working to
protect Coloradds Canyon Country wildlands. In 1994 the "Citizen's Wilderness Proposal for
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Lands" was created, recommending federal wilderness
protection for about 60 areas, comprising about 1.6 million acres, or one-sixth of the land
managed by the BLM. Supporters continue to seek Congressional support of this proposal; and
WHEREAS, Congressional Wilderness designation gives permanent protection to the natural,
scenic, recreational, and biological values of federal lands. Colorado has 3.2 million acres of
designated wilderness, but 90 percent of these areas are high-elevation mountain peaks in our
national forests. These lands provide habitat for a limited number of species. Other lands
administered by the BLM in Colorado provide critical habit, but are not protected; and
WHEREAS, These potential Wilderness lands are highly valued by Colorado residents for
activities such as hunting, hiking, horseback riding, boating, camping, and grazing. Wilderness
designation also allows for a variety of uses, including high impact activities such as resource
extraction, and low impact activities such as non-motorized recreation; and
WHEREAS, Wilderness designation of some lands administered by the BLM would leave many
other lands open to higher impact uses; and
WHEREAS, Colorado residents, including many in the City of Boulder, place a high value on
natural and scenic landscapes as an important aspect of quality of life, and protection of land in
its natural state helps to preserve this quality of life; and
WHEREAS, The City of Boulder represents the voice and concerns of its citizens to state and
national wilderness decision makers who value local input;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Boulder City Council supports Wilderness
designation for the 59 areas (approximately 1.6 million acres) described in the "Conservationists
Wilderness Proposal for BLM Lands."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be delivered to our Congressional
delegation, and that they be asked to endorse the proposal as well.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS ~~AY OF PC,., 2001.
CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
4~~y OF B~b~~ BY
• :F,~ Mayor
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BY.
Approved as to form:
By
City Attorney