U.S. Senator Ken Salazar Member: Finance, Agriculture, Energy, Ethics and Aging Committees 2300 15^th Street, Suite 450 Denver, CO 80202 | 702 Hart Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510
For Immediate Release Friday, May 23, 2008		CONTACT: Stephanie Valencia – 202-494- 8790 Cody Wertz – 303-350-0032
Sen. Salazar Introduces Bill to Protect Browns Canyon WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, United States Senator Ken Salazar introduced S.3066, the Browns Canyon Wilderness Act, which will designate approximately 20,000 acres of federally-owned land in Chaffee County near the Arkansas River as the Browns Canyon Wilderness Area, to be managed in accordance with the 1964 Wilderness Act. Senator Salazar has worked closely with local governments and community stakeholders on this legislation and the bill has their support. “The Browns Canyon area is quintessential Colorado; the area boasts some of Colorado’s most pristine forests, great hunting and fishing habitat and draws outdoor enthusiasts from across Colorado and the country during nearly every season,” said Senator Salazar. “It is very much deserving of this wilderness designation and protection. “I am also particularly proud of the broad support from local stakeholders for the proposed wilderness designation. Without their action and advice, the work to protect Browns Canyon would still be in its infancy. I look forward to working with my colleagues and passing this much-needed protection for Browns Canyon.” A map of the area protected under Senator Salazar’s Browns Canyon Wilderness Act is available by clicking here. A copy of the bill is available by clicking here. KEY PROVISIONS OF SENATE SALAZAR’S BROWNS CANYON WILDERNESS ACT Browns Canyon Wilderness Act Designates approximately 20,000 acres of Forest Service and BLM land as a wilderness area, to be managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964. Parallels a similar bill introduced by Representative Joel Hefley and Senator Wayne Allard in the 109th Congress. Water Protects existing water rights, water structures, and traditional water uses. Grazing Allows continued livestock grazing in the Wilderness in accordance with existing laws. Emergencies, Fire Control and Invasive Species, Insect and Disease Management Allows the Secretary of Interior to take measures needed to respond to emergencies, prevent and control fires, and manage insects and invasive species. Mineral Withdrawal Subject to valid existing rights, mining and mineral leasing would not be allowed in the Wilderness. Turret Trail Upholds a compromise crafted in the 109th Congress, whereby the final four miles of the Turret Trail, a route that currently ends within the Wilderness boundaries, would be restricted to non-motorized use. The first three miles of the Turret Trail, also referred to as Forest Road 184, would remain open to motorized use to the Wilderness boundaries. ###