UDALL INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PRESERVE THE FRONT RANGE VIEW OF THE "MOUNTAIN BACK-DROP" AND PROTECT UNDEVELOPED "ROADLESS" FOREST LANDS

August 1, 2000

Westminster, CO - Population growth and urban sprawl are putting unprecedented pressures on our national forests, particularly along Colorado's Front Range. To address this problem, Congressman Mark Udall has sponsored two pieces of federal legislation that, if enacted, would protect roadless areas in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, enhance local efforts to preserve the Front Range view of the mountains, and address fire risks and forest restoration issues in our national forests. Udall unveiled the two bills today at a press conference at the Boulder Public Library.

"The proximity of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest and the extraordinary recreational opportunities afforded by these public lands to the communities along the Front Range are part of why people flock to live in the Denver-Boulder area. But as our population increases, the unspoiled quality of these lands can be lost to pressures for more development, including road construction for logging, motorized vehicles and other activities," said Udall. "Similarly, growth and sprawl threaten the land surrounding Rocky Flats, an area that could be a "crown jewel" of open space and wildlife habitat for future generations." 

"Now is the time to shape the future of this part of the Front Range," Udall added. "Fifty years from now, people living in the Denver metropolitan area will look to this time and ask whether we had the courage and insight to check our appetite for more growth and development. My legislation responds to that challenge."

H.R. 5097, The Northern Front Range Roadless Area and Mountain Backdrop Protection Act, would provide temporary protection to over 80,000 acres of roadless areas on the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest in Boulder and Clear Creek Counties until Congress determines how the lands should be managed. The bill would prohibit logging, off-road vehicles or gas and oil leasing, but would allow grazing to continue. In addition, it would direct the Forest Service to study how to protect undeveloped lands that make up the Front Range Mountain backdrop west of Rocky Flats. 

This bill covers only the portions of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest that are within the boundaries of the Second Congressional District. "Although the bill I have introduced is focused exclusively on forest areas within my district, I am hopeful that the entire Colorado Congressional Delegation will look at this proposal with an eye toward providing greater protection for stressed and over-used forests like the Arapaho-Roosevelt," said Udall. "I intend to circulate draft language for an Arapaho-Roosevelt bill to my colleagues in the Colorado delegation for further discussion and consideration."

Udall has also introduced H.R. 5098, The Forest Restoration and Wildfire Prevention Act. This bill would establish a program to share costs and provide incentives for joint efforts with state, local and private entities on forest restoration and fire-prevention projects in the "red zone." The red zone is comprised of areas of the forest that adjoin urban areas and are at greatest risks for intense fires that can despoil watersheds and destroy homes. The bill does not allow more road building in roadless areas, would not affect existing wilderness areas, or allow cutting of old or large trees. 

"We have experienced one of the worst wildfire seasons this summer, especially in Colorado. Property, lives and wildlife habitats are at risk. My bill will help fight fires before they happen," said Udall.