Wild Colorado News briefs

Deep Creek wilderness area designation
in negotiations

This past summer, Representative Scott McInnis introduced language to protect Deep Creek as wilderness. Deep Creek flows down from the Flat Tops from Deep Lake to the Colorado River through one of the deepest limestone canyons in Colorado. It is one of the most pristine streams in the west as well as one of the most difficult to get through. With its high canyon walls, amazing views from the rim, and unparallel caving opportunities, this area is unique and deserving of wilderness protection.

Although we are pleased that Representative McInnis recognizes the wilderness value in this area, we are disappointed with the scope. Where the McInnis proposal affords wilderness protection to only 8,450 acres, the Citizens’ Wilderness Proposal covers almost 22,000 acres. Representative McInnis’ proposal does not protect any land above the canyon itself, which is integral for protection of the watershed as a whole. In order to push for a larger acreage, local citizens, businesses, and outfitters permitted on the area have written letters and newspaper articles, attended public meetings, and discussed the boundaries with local officials.

The McInnis proposal also permits the continuation of National Guard helicopter landings within the narrow gorge; it also prohibits the establishment of a federal reserve water right—two conditions that are unacceptable as currently drafted in the legislative language.

James Creek Wilderness may soon be a reality

After years of effort by wilderness advocates and many arduous negotiations, the James Peak area may soon become wilderness. Although the James Peak Wilderness, Wilderness Study, and Protection Area Act is not ideal, it will provide permanent protection to the heart of the James Peak Wilderness Area and will protect the remainder of the area for future wilderness consideration. This bill was the product of long negotiations between Colorado representatives, county commissioners, the environmental community, and the recreation community.

The bill designates about 17,000 acres of wilderness including an additional 3,000 acres to the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area in Boulder and Grand Counties, and establishes a 16,000-acre James Peak Protection Area in the James Peak roadless area in Grand County. The proposed legislation does not designate the Grand County portion of the James Peak roadless area as wilderness despite the fact that the lands qualify for designation, but does direct the Forest Service to study the feasibility of a mountain bike loop trail between Rollins Pass Road and Rogers Pass, a route that would dissect wilderness quality lands.

As of November of 2001, the bill had passed out of the House Resources Committee and awaits a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. In addition, Senator Campbell introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

BLM approves construction of extreme jeep trail

Despite unpopularity and controversy, the BLM Grand Junction Resource Area has opted to approve the construction of an extreme jeep trail in Billings Canyon near the Redlands area of Grand Junction. The proposed extreme jeep trail would travel for 1.2 miles along the bottom of an ephemeral wash. The route, which is only suitable for jacked up jeeps and intrepid drivers, includes descending down several waterfalls and steps as well as maneuvering around large boulders.

The approval of this trail follows a year of controversy and public outcry. CMC Western Slope members, along with members of the Western Colorado Congress, Colorado Environmental Coalition, Colorado Plateau Mountain Bikers Association, and the Quiet Trails Coalition, wrote letters and spoke at public meetings against the proposal. At the time of this writing, CMC is considering appealing the decision.