Legislation News & Report (TM) 

TheWeekInCongress.com (TM)

Managing America: Environment

TheWeekInCongress.com (TM)

Week Ending March 9, 2006

H.R.903 To provide for a study of options for protecting the open space characteristics of certain lands in and adjacent to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado, and for other purposes.

Findings in the bill explain that the views of the national forests and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains provides a scenic backdrop and abundant wildlife habitat some of which is not protected from development in the fast growing areas around Denver, CO.

The bill says it is in the national interest for the Federal Government to assist in identifying options for increasing the protection of the mountain backdrop in the northern Front Range area of Colorado.

To do so the Secretary of Agriculture is directed to review the lands on question known as the study area and in a year report to Congress.  The report will include present land ownership, which land is at risk of development, actions that the US, Colorado and local governments or anyone else can take to preserve the open and undeveloped character of the lands.

Specifically lands in southern Boulder, northern Jefferson and northern Gilpin Counties, CO situated west of Colorado State Highway 93, south and east of Colorado Highway 119 and north of Colorado State Highway 46 will be studied. Excluded are lands within the Boulder and Golden city limits.

Undeveloped land means land free or primarily free of structures and the development of which is likely to adversely affect scenic, wildlife or recreational value of the land.

Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado State Forest Service Colorado State Conservation Board, Great Outdoors Colorado and the Board of County Commissioners in the affected counties will be consulted.

Sponsor:  Rep Mark Udall (D-CO-2^nd)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote March 5, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: No cost data given. Such studies usually spend around $100,000.

Earmark Certification: Not applicable to this bill. 

## All Rights Reserved. © 2007 TheWeekInCongress.com(TM)

No reproduction, language translation or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.(TM)

MORE INFORMATION

(b) Findings- Congress finds the following:

(1) Rising dramatically from the Great Plains, the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains provides a scenic mountain backdrop to many communities in the Denver metropolitan area and elsewhere in Colorado. The portion of the range within and adjacent to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests also includes a diverse array of wildlife habitats and provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation.

(2) The open space character of this mountain backdrop is an important esthetic and economic asset for adjoining communities, making them attractive locations for homes and businesses.

(3) Rapid population growth in the northern Front Range area of Colorado is increasing recreational use of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and is also placing increased pressure for development of other lands within and adjacent to that national forest.

(4) Efforts by local governments and other entities have provided important protection for portions of this mountain backdrop, especially in the northern Denver metropolitan area. However, some portions of the mountain backdrop in this part of Colorado remain unprotected and are at risk of losing their open space qualities.

(5) It is in the national interest for the Federal Government, in collaboration with local communities, to assist in identifying options for increasing the protection of the mountain backdrop in the northern Front Range area of Colorado.

## All Rights Reserved. © 2007 TheWeekInCongress.com.(TM)

No reproduction, language translation or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.(TM)