David Skaggs: “Mr. Speaker, this provision, title VI of this bill, represents the culmination now of some 8 years of work conducted by…”

“Mr. Speaker, this provision, title VI of this bill, represents the culmination now of some 8 years of work conducted by many, many citizens in the area of Colorado that I represent who have been concerned for some time with the protection of this pristine roadless canyon, the last major roadless canyon along the front range of the Rockies in the State of Colorado. We are here because folks with different interests, from environmentalists to water district managers, to local communities and residents, spent literally hours and hours, and tons of meetings over several years developing a consensus that is embodied in title VI of this bill. It will ensure that the free flow of this stream in the upper reaches of the North Saint Vrain Canyon originating in Rocky Mountain National Park down to Button Rock Reservoir will remain free flowing forever. This is really some extraordinary country, Mr. Speaker, one of the most impressive wildlife habitat areas along the front range as well as an area of extraordinary and dramatic beauty. We should all be proud of taking this step to make sure that it remains that way in perpetuity.”