Local citizens will have the opportunity to hear details on how proposed federal wilderness legislation will impact Fremont County at a public meeting in Cañon City this Friday. Colorado 1st District Congresswoman Diana DeGette and 5th District Congressman Doug Lamborn will both attend the meeting scheduled for 4:00 this Friday afternoon, August 6th, at the Holy Cross Abbey Events Center in Cañon City. Congresswoman Degette will discuss her bill, the Wilderness Act of 2009, which is now before Congress. The legislation proposes wilderness designation for four areas of public lands in Fremont County; Badger Creek, Upper Beaver Creek, Grape Creek, and McIntyre Hills.
The Fremont County Board of Commissioners met in recent months with staff members from Congresswoman DeGette’s office and others interested in the wilderness designation to discuss the legislation. Commission Chairman Ed Norden said that in particular the commissioners voiced concerns that wilderness designation should not be pursued in areas previously suggested such as Tanner Peak south of Cañon City because of its popularity with ATV enthusiasts. Norden said the commissioners also urged Congresswoman DeGette to host a public meeting in Fremont County to give local residents an opportunity to express their views.
Maps and other details of the proposed wilderness areas in Fremont County will be available for public inspection. Congresswoman DeGette and Congressman Lamborn said they want to hear all opinions on the proposed legislation and whether there is local support or opposition to the wilderness designations.