Political Quotes

“It is an inspiring column. It speaks to the power of wilderness and wilderness activities in the context of our veterans returning home from standing for us in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Speaking of wilderness opportunities, just this last week I introduced the San Juan Mountain Wilderness Act, along with Senator Bennet. It is similar to a bill I introduced in the last Congress. My bill would designate--we have a photograph of this wonderfully inspiring area. This bill would designate 33,000 acres in southwestern Colorado as wilderness. It would also designate about 2,000 acres as a special management area and withdraw over 6,000 acres from mineral entry lands within the Naturita Canyon area. This bill is the work of extensive input and collaboration among and across every imaginable stakeholder group. I wish to particularly note the efforts of former Congressman John Salazar and his staff, who worked with the affected Colorado county commissioners, interested citizens, and my staff in developing this legislation over the last 4 years. It is crafted to take into account the various ongoing uses of these lands, such as for water supplies and recreation, while also providing strong managerial protection for these sensitive lands. I do not have to tell you, when we see this photograph, among many, that this region of Colorado is blessed with stunning beauty.…”