Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy 14 Opportunities for the President and Congress to Preserve Western Lands January 23, 2012

www.WesternPriorities.org 2 Introduction

The United States of America has a strong tradition of protecting and preserving land for the enjoyment of its citizens, the health of its waters and wildlife, and the benefit of generations to come. For nearly 60 years, Congress and the executive branch have consistently set aside new public lands to protect for posterity, including many lands in the West.

That tradition of bipartisan land conservation came to an end at 11:56 a.m. on January 3, 2013 when the 112th Congress gaveled itself closed without protecting a single new acre of land for future generations. Members on both sides of the aisle introduced over 50 separate pieces of legislation that would have set aside parcels of land as national monuments, wilderness areas, National Conservation Areas, and other permanently protected lands. Not a single one received a floor vote in either chamber. Still, an examination of the proposed legislation and of the pristine lands recommended for permanent preservation demonstrates that there is considerable support and opportunities for land conservation.

While congressional support for conservation outranks congressional action to protect land, things aren’t much better on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. While the Obama Administration has used its executive powers to protect some land, a recent analysis by the Center for American Progress revealed that to date President Obama has protected far less land than any of the previous four administrations. Approximately 2.6 million acres of public land were permanently protected during President Obama’s first term, compared against 17.8 million acres protected during President George H.W. Bush’s term in office.

As the 113th Congress opens and President Obama begins his second term, there is a unique opportunity for each branch to pick up the conservation baton and work to enact meaningful protection measures. If they’re able to do so, they will be continuing a great American tradition and carving out a legacy that will outlast this Congress and Administration.

Center For Western Priorities | Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy 3 Introduction

This report provides a selection of proposals submitted by both Republicans and Democrats to protect lands in the American West, along with popular measures that did not make it into legislation. These proposals offer a starting point for the new Congress and the Obama Administration to make meaningful progress toward shoring up valuable tracts of land for generations to come. Each selection is supported with specific points regarding its features, benefits, and economic impacts.

Notes: Includes wilderness areas, national parks, national recreation areas, national historical parks, national preserves, national reserves, national scenic areas, national scenic and wildlife areas, national scenic and botanic areas, national scenic research areas, national volcanic monuments, scenic recreation areas, miscellaneous national forest protected areas, national conservation areas, miscellaneous Bureau of Land Management protected areas, Wilderness Study Areas, congressionally and presidentially designated national monuments, and fee simple national wildlife refuges.

Does not reflect Marine National Monuments designated by President George W. Bush (Papahanaumokuakea Marine, Marianas Trench Marine, Pacific Remote Islands Marine, Rose Atoll Marine which together comprised more than 200 million acres of marine protection).

Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Foret Service, wilderness.net, The Wilderness Society

Source: Center for American Progress

WesternPriorities.org 4 Colorado

McKenna Peak Photo: rodeonexis photography Colorado McKenna Peak Wilderness Proposed The proposed McKenna Peak Wilderness offers an impressive diversity of topographic 8,600 features, from badlands to cliffs and from mesas to canyons. The variety makes for Acres Protected outstanding recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, hunting, wildlife San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act viewing and rock climbing. Visitors to the area may see a bald eagle soar across the bright Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO), Sen. blue sky or stumble upon a 100-million-year-old fossil. McKenna Peak also provides critical Michael Bennet (D-CO) This area contains critical wintering grounds for deer and elk herds that attract thousands of hunters to the area, a wintering grounds for deer boon for the local economy. The proposed wilderness area is located in Southwestern and elk herds. Colorado, on the border between San Miguel and Dolores Counties.

In 2011 Senators Mark Udall (D-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) proposed the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act, which would have set aside over 8,600 acres for the McKenna Peak Wilderness. Although the bill did not pass Congress, significant local support exists for designating the McKenna Peak Wilderness, including the county commissioners from San Miguel County and San Juan County, along with the Mayor of Telluride.

Center For Western Priorities | Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy 5 Colorado

Browns Canyon Wilderness Proposed Located in central Colorado near the city of Salida, Browns Canyon is cut by the 20,000 Arkansas River as it descends from the peaks of the Rocky Mountains eastward Acres Protected toward the Great Plains. As the Arkansas River courses through the canyon, it flows Browns Canyon Wilderness Act by impressive cliffs and spires, passing hillsides covered by semi-arid piñon and Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO), Rep. juniper woodlands. Browns Canyon is home to one of the nation’s most popular Joel Hefley (R-CO) whitewater rafting destinations, attracting visitors from across the country who enjoy Browns Canyon is home to one of the most the Arkansas River’s fast-flowing rapids. The area is also a popular destination for popular whitewater rafting destinations. hunters, anglers, hikers and backpackers, featuring impressive rock features, wild topography and abundant deer, elk, bighorn sheep and trout.

Permanently protecting Browns Canyon has received bipartisan support from Colorado’s congressional delegation. In 2006 Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) and Representative Joel Hefley (R-CO) introduced the Browns Canyon Wilderness Act to permanently protect 20,000 acres of Browns Canyon. At the time, Senator Allard said, “Not only will this bill protect one of Colorado’s great natural treasures, it will bring more tourists to the surrounding area and help the economies of Chaffee and Fremont Counties.” The bill was later reintroduced by Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO).

The Browns Canyon Wilderness proposal is also supported by a broad local coalition, including the Chaffee County Board of Commissioners, Arkansas River Outfitters Associations, Buffalo Peaks Back Country Horsemen, Collegiate Peaks Trout Unlimited, and the International Mountain Bicycling Association, among others.

Hermosa Creek Wilderness Proposed 40,000 Situated in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest near Durango, the Hermosa Creek Acres Protected Watershed is home to breathtaking views and a diversity of wildlife, including the Canada lynx, cutthroat trout and elk. In 2012, Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and

WesternPriorities.org 6 Colorado

Mark Udall (D-CO) took steps to permanently protect Hermosa Creek with the introduction of the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act. The proposal eliminates the threat of new roads, mineral development or timber extraction within the 40,000 acres of the Hermosa Creek Wilderness. An additional 70,000 acres would remain open for popular activities including mountain biking and motorized recreation.

The Hermosa Creek area was formally recommended for wilderness designation by the U.S. Forest Service. The bill was developed on recommendations by the Hermosa Creek Workgroup, a coalition of local water providers, conservation groups, sportsmen, mountain bike riders, outfitters, ranchers, and property owners. Although the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act has stalled in Congress, it maintains broad-based local support.

Castle Peak and Bull Gulch Wilderness Proposed The Bull Gulch and Castle Peak Wilderness Study Areas near Vail, Colorado offer visitors 30,000 a wide range of outdoor experiences in a unique setting. Hiking trails and campgrounds, Acres Protected along with its rafting and kayaking opportunities on the Colorado River attract tourists Eagle and Summit from throughout Colorado and beyond. Bull Gulch’s flora, rivers and streams create a County Wilderness Preservation Act summer range that is home to herds of deer and elk, and the predators that hunt them. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) Landslide deposits and Castle Peak’s herds make it a destination for sportsmen who can track game though volcanic instructions can be chest-high grasses, along a network of trails made from old vehicle tracks. found in Bull Gulch.

Bull Gulch and Castle Peak were last evaluated for wilderness status almost 30 years ago. Since then, their nearly 30,000 acres, within close proximity of popular destinations like Vail, Breckenridge and Glenwood Springs, have become important pieces of Colorado’s tourism and outdoor recreation industries. Both areas are more than deserving of wilderness designation, an idea which has received local support from both the Eagle and Summit County Boards of Commissioners. In 2011 Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced the Eagle and Summit County Wilderness Preservation Act, which would have permanently protected 81,790 new acres of wilderness in central Colorado, including Castle Peak and Bull Gulch.

Center For Western Priorities | Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy 7 New Mexico

Organ Mountains Photo: surf44 New Mexico Organ Mountains Wilderness Proposed New Mexico’s Organ Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the 100,000 residents 400,000 in the city of Las Cruces. Only a short 30-minute drive from the city, the Organ Acres Protected Mountains range is well known for its rich biological diversity, supporting an Organ Mountains abundance of rare plants and animal species. The area is also a popular destination -- Dona Ana County Conservation for campers, bikers, hunters and horseback riders drawn to southern New Mexico’s Protection Act rugged landscape. A 2012 study by Headwaters Economics found that protected Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Tom Udall (D-NM) public lands, like the Organ Mountains, provide Las Cruces and surrounding The Organ Mountains are named for the granite communities with a competitive advantage by attracting tourists, along with new “needles” in the highest part businesses and talented employees interested in living near forests, parks and of the range that resemble pipes from a pipe organ. wilderness.

While the region is currently managed for its wilderness qualities, it has not received the permanent protections that it deserves. Action is in-process to protect these

WesternPriorities.org 8 New Mexico

mountains and their habitats. In May 2011, Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced the Organ Mountains – Doña Ana County Conservation and Protection Act to permanently protect 400,000 acres as wilderness and National Conservation Areas.

Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area Proposed 236,000 The proposed Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area is an area brimming Acres Protected with natural beauty, abundant wildlife, unique geologic features, and ancient Native Rio Grande del Norte American treasures. National Conservation Area Establishment Rio Grande del Norte’s trout, bighorn sheep, deer, bald eagles, and elk offer Act Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), sportsmen and wildlife observers rich opportunities for spotting, hunting and fishing. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) The volcanic cones provide vistas for hikers and backpackers to look out over the Eagles, falcons, hawks and many other birds frequent valley below. The proposed 236,000-acre National Conservation Area will provide the area, as the Rio Grande Migratory Flyway is one of visitors with a rare glimpse into the origins of human activity in North America. the great migratory routes of the world. In 2011 Representative Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) proposed the Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act, which would permanently protect the area for all generations. The legislation was stalled in Congress. By providing it permanent protections, Rio Grande del Norte will preserve irreplaceable treasures and serve the community as an economic driver. More than 150 local businesses support the Bureau of Land Management’s control of the monument, and community leaders throughout New Mexico have also endorsed the plan.

Columbine Hondo Wilderness Proposed Columbine Hondo is a 45,000-acre, high alpine basin in the Sangre de Cristo 45,000 Mountains of northern New Mexico. The area is treasured by local residents, Acres Protected ranchers, sportsmen and anglers alike. Home to the headwaters of the Rio Hondo and Red River, the Columbine Hondo provides water to downstream communities, offers an extensive trail system, and is a sanctuary for hikers, backpackers, hunters

Center For Western Priorities | Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy 10 New Mexico

and anglers. The lush forests and meadows of the Columbine Hondo provide a critical habitat for wildlife, including mule deer, elk, black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, marmots and pica.

Although the area has been managed as a Wilderness Study Area for decades, it has yet to receive permanent protections. In 2012, Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act, which would give permanent wilderness protections to the entire area. Wilderness designation is widely supported by the local community, including local ranchers, sportsmen, and the Taos Pueblo, along with local and regional conservation organizations.

Otero Mesa National Monument Proposed The Otero Mesa is 1.2-million acres of undisturbed Chihuahuan Desert grassland stretching across southern New Mexico. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Southwest’s Serengeti,’ the area is home to over 1,000 species of native wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, the endangered Northern Aplomado Falcon, and bald and golden eagles. The Mesa also rests above the region’s largest untapped water source, the Salt Basin Aquifer.

A growing chorus is calling on Congress or President Obama to permanently protect the Otero Mesa. Former Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) lent his voice, calling on the Obama Administration to designate the Otero Mesa National Monument. Outdoor enthusiasts, who value the Otero Mesa for its extraordinary natural beauty and unique hunting opportunities, are encouraging the designation. The Mescalero Apache, a tribe with ancestral ties to the area, believes the landscape should be permanently set aside. In addition to attracting tourists to the region, the Otero Mesa National Monument can anchor a service and retirement economy driven by people attracted to the region’s climate and protected public lands.

WesternPriorities.org 10 Idaho

Castle and Merriam Peaks Photo: Fredlyfish4 Idaho Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness Proposed Representative Mike Simpson (R-ID) has spent the better part of a decade working to 330,000 permanently protect the majestic Boulder and White Cloud Mountains of central Idaho. Acres Protected In 2011, Representative Simpson introduced the Central Idaho Economic Development Central Idaho and Recreation Act, which proposed over 330,000 acres of new wilderness, including Economic Development and the White Clouds Wilderness, the Jerry Peaks Wilderness and the Hemingway-Boulders Recreation Act Wilderness. Representative Simpson’s effort to set aside the Boulder-White Clouds Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) This proposed wilderness Wilderness was preceded by similar attempts dating back to the 1970s, all of which area contains part of the largest unprotected area failed. without roads in the lower 48. The area, nevertheless, is very deserving of wilderness status. The Boulder-White Clouds represents the wild northern Rockies, with stunning scenery, crystal clear lakes and abundant wildlife that attract hunters, anglers, photographers and hikers alike. Visitors can explore the diverse landscape of central Idaho, hike to high elevation lakes, and may even be lucky enough to spot a black bear, mountain lion or golden eagle.

Center For Western Priorities | Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy 11 Montana

Rocky Mountain Front Photo: Will_K_Montana Montana Rocky Mountain Front Wilderness Introduced The Rocky Mountain Front in northern Montana is where the Great Plains abruptly hit 67,000 the soring Rocky Mountains. The Front is a truly wild landscape, with big mountains, Acres Protected rocky crags, rolling foothills and wide open valleys. The sudden change from prairie Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act to peaks provides a unique wildlife habitat, making the Rocky Mountain Front a Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) hunter’s paradise. Numerous species call the Rocky Mountain Front home, including Hunting and fishing provide approximately $11 million lynx, wolves, grizzly bears and wolverines, along with elk, moose, black bears, in economic revenue to antelope and mule deer. Hunting and fishing provide approximately $11 million in communities along the Rocky Mountain Front. economic benefit to communities along the Front.

In 2011, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act to permanently protect the Rocky Mountain Front for hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in the future. If passed, the act would set aside 67,000 acres of the Rocky Mountain Front as wilderness, in addition to improving noxious weed eradication and prevention to protect nearby farms and ranches.

WesternPriorities.org 12 Montana

Forest Jobs and Recreation Act Introduced 670,000 Senator John Tester’s (D-MT) Forest Jobs and Recreation Act doesn’t protect Acres Protected just one wilderness area, but rather permanently protects nearly 700,000 acres of Forest Jobs and spectacular lands across western Montana. It also establishes over 300,000 acres Recreation Act Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) of recreation areas. The bill, introduced in 2009 and again in 2011, was developed This bill would allow for through a collaborative effort between hunters, anglers, loggers, conservationists, restoration of watersheds, reduced wildfire risk, and motorized vehicle users, mountain bikers, and business owners from across help restore rural economies. Montana. The bill has multiple purposes. It allows for restoration forestry in select areas to restore watersheds, reduce wildfire risk, and restore rural economies. It guarantees access to snowmobilers and ATV users in certain areas. It also provides permanent protection for eight new wilderness areas.

The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act represents an innovative approach to conserving our public lands, and carefully balances the use of natural resources with the permanent protection of some of Montana’s most special places. The coalition of supporters includes timber companies, local and national conservation organizations, community groups, outfitter businesses, backcountry sportsmen and horsemen, and off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

Sleeping Giant Wilderness Introduced Consisting of 11,000 acres north of Helena, Montana, the current Sleeping Giant 11,000 Wilderness Study Area provides critical wildlife habitat and scenic recreational Acres Protected opportunities within an hour of Helena’s nearly 30,000 people. Sleeping Giant is Sleeping Giant a popular destination for hunters, hikers, photographers, and wildlife watchers. Wilderness The Lewis and Clark National The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail passes through, offering visitors the Historic Trail passes through opportunity to experience Montana’s natural beauty as Lewis and Clark did during this beautiful ridgeline. their expedition through America’s Western Frontier. Seven miles of ridgeline hiking trails provides stunning panoramas of the Rocky Mountains. Sleeping Giant is also home to a diversity of important wildlife, including mountain goats, elk, black bears, mule deer, osprey and golden eagles.

Center For Western Priorities | Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy 13 Montana

While Sleeping Giant is currently managed as a Wilderness Study Area for its wilderness qualities, it is deserving of the permanent protections bestowed by wilderness designation – a status that has received long-standing support from area residents, the local planning board, and the Lewis and Clark County Commissioners.

WesternPriorities.org 14 Utah

Grandeur Peak Wilderness Photo: danfay1009 Utah Grandeur Peak Wilderness Proposed In 2012 Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT) introduced the Wasatch Wilderness and 26,000 Watershed Protection Act. If passed, the act would expand wilderness and enhance Acres Protected watershed protections to more than 26,000 acres of the Wasatch Front Canyons Wasatch Wilderness above Salt Lake City, Utah. The Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act and Watershed Protection Act is the culmination of a close collaboration between the Salt Lake Water Department, Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT) local ski resorts, heli-skiing guides, environmental groups, backcountry skiers, and Grandeur Peak is a popular backcountry destination the mountain biking community. In addition to providing permanent wilderness close to Salt Lake City. status to Grandeur Peak—a popular backcountry destination within close proximity to Salt Lake City— it would also expand the Mt. Olympus Wilderness, Twin Peaks Wilderness, and Lone Peaks Wilderness. The bill also protects clean water supplies and resolves an ongoing conflict between backcountry skiers and Snowbird Ski resort.

Center For Western Priorities | Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy 15 Utah

Desolation Canyon Wilderness Proposed Desolation Canyon Eastern Utah’s Desolation Canyon is a sight to behold. The Green River cuts Wilderness through the canyon, past impressive rock formations, white sand beaches, and Desolation Canyon is a popular whitewater rafting cottonwood forests, offering rafters and kayakers the opportunity to experience location through Utah’s impressive Red Rock Utah’s awe-inspiring Red Rock Country. Along with Desolation Canyon’s first-class Country. whitewater river recreation, the canyons offer exceptional hunting and backpacking opportunities.

Desolation Canyon and its surrounding area have attracted interest from oil and gas companies for development. In 2010, a coalition of conservation organizations negotiated an agreement with Bill Barrett Corporation to reduce the footprint of planned industrial oil and gas development on lands around Desolation Canyon. The agreement ensured that the proposed Desolation Canyon Wilderness remained undeveloped, but without permanent protections there is no guarantee this treasure of Utah’s Red Rock Country will remain intact for future generations.

Desolation Canyon, currently managed as a Wilderness Study Area, is nearly 300,000 acres. Permanent protection of the Desolation Canyon has received local backing, including from Grand County where the Desolation Canyon falls.

WesternPriorities.org 16 Resources

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Associated Press. (2008). “Sen. Salazar Introduces Hansen, H. (2011). “Otero Mesa: A Monumental New Browns Canyon Wilderness Bill.” Aspen Fight.” Red Lodge Clearinghouse. Accessed Times. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.aspentimes. 1/21/13: http://rlch.org/blog/2011/11/8/otero- com/article/20080524/NEWS/883852379. mesa-monumental-fight.

Boulder White Clouds Council. [Website]. Hargrave, J. (2010). “Congressman Matheson Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.wildwhiteclouds. Introduces Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed org/. Protection Act.” Utah Outside. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.utahoutside.com/2010/04/ Bureau of Land Management, Colorado. (2013). congressman-matheson-introduces-wasatch- “Wilderness Study Areas.” Accessed 1/21/13: wilderness-and-watershed-protection-act/. http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/sjplc/wilderness. print.html. Mitton, J. (2012). “Browns Canyon National Monument?” Daily Camera. Accessed 1/21/13: Casaus, M. (2011). “Protecting the Organ http://www.dailycamera.com/science-columnists/ Mountains Hits Home.” The Wilderness Society. ci_21015536/jeff-mitton-browns-canyon-national- Accessed 1/21/13: http://wilderness.org/blog/ monument. protecting-organ-mountains-hits-home. MontanaForests.org. “Why Conservationists Colorado’s Canyon Country Wilderness Proposal Support the Forest Jobs and Restoration Act.” Areas. (2006).”Bull Gulch.” Accessed 1/21/13: Accessed 1/21/13: http://wilderness.org/sites/ http://www.canyoncountrywilderness.org/ default/files/legacy/Forest-Jobs-and-Recreation- bullgulch.htm. Act.pdf.

Colorado’s Canyon Country Wilderness Proposal MontanaForests.org. (2012). “Forest Jobs and Areas. (2006).”Castle Peak.” Accessed 1/21/13: Recreation Act.” Mountain West News. Accessed http://www.canyoncountrywilderness.org/ 1/21/13: http://www.mountainwestnews.org/ castlepeak.htm. Page3.aspx?a=ALookAHead&ID=79.

Congressman Jim Matheson. (2012). “Matheson MontanaForests.org. (2012). [Website]. Accessed Bill Seeks to Protect Vital Wasatch Canyons Water 1/21/13: http://www.montanaforests.org/. Source.” [Press Release]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://matheson.house.gov/news-releases/ matheson-bill-seeks-to-protect-vital-wasatch- canyons-water-source/.

Center For Western Priorities | Rebuilding A Conservation Legacy 17 Resources

Montana Wildlife Federation. “The Rocky Mountain The Columbine Hondo Wilderness Coalition. Front: Big Country for Big Game.” Accessed (2012). [Website]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www. 1/21/13: http://www.montanawildlife.com/hunting_ columbinehondo.org/. values_rmf_web.pdf. The Wilderness Society. (2010). “Conservation Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks National Groups, Oil and Gas Company Negotiate Monument. (2013). [Website]. Accessed 1/21/13: Agreement to Protect Desolation Canyon.” [Press http://www.organmountains.org/. Release]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://wilderness. org/press-release/conservation-groups-oil-and- Red Lodge Clearinghouse. (2009). “Homegrown gas-company-negotiate-agreement-protect- Solution or Abdication? - Sen. Tester’s Forest desolation-canyon. Jobs and Recreation Act Offers a Provocative Approach”. Accessed 1/21/13: http://rlch.org/ The Wilderness Society. (2012). “Rio Grande Del blog/2009/18/12/homegrown-solution-or- Norte: Work We Are Doing”. Accessed 1/21/13: abdication-sen-tester%E2%80%99s-forest-jobs- http://wilderness.org/article/work-we-are-doing- and-recreation-act-offers-. rio-grande-del-norte.

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Senator Michael Bennet. (2012). “Bennet Introduces Bill to Preserve Hermosa Creek Watershed.” [Press Release]. Accessed 1/21/13: http://www.bennet.senate.gov/newsroom/press/ release/bennet-introduces-bill-to-preserve- hermosa-creek-watershed.

WesternPriorities.org The Center for Western Priorities is a nonpartisan engagement center that serves as a source of accurate information, promotes responsible policies and practices, and ensures accountability at all levels to protect land, water, and communities in the American West.

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