WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with Representative Joe Neguse, reintroduced the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act to expand the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area in the Routt National Forest by 6,817 acres, protecting sub-alpine wilderness habitats and wildlife while preserving access to outdoor recreation.
“Coloradans love the Sarvis Creek Wilderness,” said Hickenlooper. “It’s home to stunning landscapes, recreation opportunities, and wildlife. Let’s expand and protect it.”
“Colorado’s public lands are the cornerstone of our Western way of life, and for decades, this Northwest Colorado landscape has deserved further protection,” said Bennet. “Local elected officials and outdoor recreation, agriculture, water, and environmental leaders came together to craft this bill that protects critical watersheds, enhances wildlife habitats, and safeguards outdoor exploration for Coloradans. I look forward to getting this important legislation across the finish line for our state.”
“I’m proud to join Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet in reintroducing legislation that would expand the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area in the Routt National Forest by more than 6,000 acres, advancing the preservation of our public lands, protecting local wildlife, and providing increased access to outdoor recreation,” said Neguse.
Specifically, this legislation:
- Fulfills the community’s vision for the entire Sarvis Creek wilderness area by adding 6,817 acres on to the existing 44,556 acres, which had originally been excluded due to a previously-proposed plan to develop a ski area.
- Extends wilderness protection to the Harrison and Green Creek watersheds—rare, pristine sub-alpine regions that feed into the Yampa River, safeguarding aquatic resources and preserving water quality.
- Protects winter range and spring calving areas for elk that inhabit the area, in addition to habitat for other native Colorado wildlife and fish species.
- Provides easy public access from Steamboat Springs and Stagecoach for low impact recreation—including hunting, fishing, back-country skiing and hiking.
Full text of the legislation is available HERE.
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