Hello fellow Summit Posters. As a group of committed folks passionate about the wild places where we hike, climb, and recreate, I am asking that you take a moment to become familiar with a hot topic here in Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley. I have recently gotten involved with the <a href=http://www.whiteriverwild.org>Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign</a>. The campaign aims to protect several hundred thousand acres of beautiful, unspoiled public land in Pitkin, Gunnison, Eagle, and Summit Counties through the creation of an official wilderness area. <a href=http://www.whiteriverwild.org/white-river-national-forest.php> See an interactive map here</a>.
If passed by congress, this new wilderness area will be different from the typical wilderness area (e.g., Maroon Bells - Snowmass, Eagles Nest, Holy Cross) because the Hidden Gems aims to protect the 'middle elevations'. These elevations have a higher portion of biodiversity than the typical 'high elevations' that are protected under most existing wilderness areas. Additionally, these elevations act as vibrant wildlife corridors and are currently being threatened by encroaching land development and extractive industries.
We have started to present the Hidden Gems proposal to the area's county commissions and town councils, and the proposal has been well received. But now that the campaign is in full public view, the motorized community (ORV) is starting to mobilize against it. As part of a climbing community, it is important to point out that the Hidden Gems campaign has worked with local climbers to draw boundaries around existing and future sport climbing areas where mechanized bolting will be allowed to continue. Thus the local climbing community is behind our proposal.
We are asking that people who are interested in protecting our public lands send their elected officials emails and letters in support for the Hidden Gems. Even if you don't live in one of the aforementioned counties, your support is still much appreciated! Click on any link below to go to the relevant page on the Hidden Gems' website:
• Write to your members of Congress
• Write to your county commissioners
• Write a letter to the editor
Once you follow the links above, you can find links to talking points, letter-writing tips and sample letters.
One shocking statistic that I have found while working on this campaign is that "only 2.73% of the lower 48 states is protected as wilderness – about the same percentage that is paved." <a href=http://www.whiteriverwild.org>-Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign</a>. Think about the unique opportunity that we have in front of us. If we all work together, one day you will be able to take your kids on a hike in a Hidden Gems Wilderness Area and tell them that you helped to protect the beautiful landscape!
<a href=http://www.wildernessworkshop.org/our-work.html?page=147>WILD FOR GOOD!
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