Eagles Nest Wilderness near Vail
Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet introduced the San Juan Wilderness Act of 2011 to the 112th Congress.
If passed, the law will add approximately 33,200 acres of wilderness land to the existing Mt. Sneffels and the Lizard Head Wilderness areas of southwestern Colorado. In addition to the wilderness lands, 21,620 acres of federal land will receive special protection in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado. The special protection bans the use of motorized vehicles and the construction of roads, but fails to protect the streams and rivers from future water resource projects.
San Juan Wilderness Act of 2011
The San Juan Wilderness act contains provisions for the creation of one new wilderness area and the enlargement of the Mt. Sneffels and Lizard Head Wilderness areas.
- McKenna Peak Wilderness – 8,600 acres of BLM land southwest of Telluride.
- Whitehouse Addition – 13,000 acres added to the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness near Ouray.
- Liberty Bell & Last Dollar Addition – 8,250 acres to the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness
- Lizard Head Wilderness Addition – 3,350 acres added to the Lizard Head Wilderness (Proposed Wilson, Sunshine, Black Face, and San Bernardo Additions) [Total Wilderness added: 33,200 acres]
- Sheep Mountain Special Management Area – 21,620 acres including the Ice Lakes Basin near Silverton, CO
Related Stories:
Udall Introduces Bill to Expand San Juan Mountain Wilderness – Senate.gov
Colorado Senators Introducing Wilderness Proposal for SW Part of Their State -ABQJournal.com