WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed a sweeping public lands package, including bills long supported by several Colorado congressmen.
The bill held bipartisan House support with a vote of 363-62 and designates 1.3 million acres of wilderness. The lands package had previously passed the Senate on Feb. 12.
“From fishing and kayaking, to skiing and hiking, public lands provide valuable recreation opportunities for all Americans. I am glad to see this vitally important legislation get passed through Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support,” Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colo., said in a written statement.
The lands package also provided for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The fund uses revenue from offshore oil and gas drilling to reinvest in conservation and outdoor recreation projects.
A number of projects in Southwest Colorado have benefited from LWCF funds, including 17 in La Plata County totaling nearly $1.6 million, among them is the Perins Peak State Wildlife Area. Archuleta County has received almost $500,000, and Montezuma County has received about $150,000.
The LWCF Coalition, a network of conservation groups charged with support and oversight of the fund, released a statement saying Congress’ passage of the lands package “reaffirms the gold standard in American conservation.” The Coalition called it a “historical victory for America’s natural and cultural treasures.”
Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., who both voted to pass the public lands package in the U.S. Senate, expressed support as the bill heads to the White House.
Bennet tweeted out his support shortly after the bill passed, saying, “LWCF has directly benefited communities in our state like Durango. We are now one step away from providing Coloradans the certainty they need to pursue conservation projects that will boost the outdoor economy.”
Gardner has also supported LWCF throughout his time in the Senate. After the bill’s passage, he released a statement saying, “The program has a direct impact on public lands in Colorado and will be used to protect our state’s natural beauty for future generations. I’m thrilled we were able to finally permanently reauthorize this commonsense program supported by Coloradans across the political spectrum.”
Tipton has supported bills like Every Kid Outdoors Act, which provides free admission to national public parks and lands for fourth-grade students and their families.
“This bill will help to ensure responsible management and preservation of public lands for decades to come. I am especially pleased that the package contained several bills I have championed over the past few years,” Tipton’s statement said.
The lands package now heads to the White House to await President Donald Trump’s signature.
Liz Weber is a student at American University in Washington, D.C., and an intern for The Durango Herald.
