Colorado could see more federally protected wilderness areas. Federal land managers are recommending six new plots of Bureau of Land Management land for the extended protections.
The six are currently wilderness study areas, meaning they’re essentially being managed by the BLM as if they were wilderness because little if any development is permitted.
"In these areas, there is local community support for this type of management and local community support for ongoing management in that vein," said Steven Hall, BLM's Colorado spokesman. "I think when you see that local support then wilderness designation is not controversial."
Included on the list are two prized scenic areas in Eagle County, Castle Peakand Bull Gulch, as well as a stretch of canyon country along the Arkansas River in central Colorado. The BLM’s recommendations are just that, recommendations only.
Congress would have to approve any formal wilderness designation.
