Polis Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Grand County Land

Press Release

Representative Jared Polis (CO-02) reintroduced legislation to protect a "wedge" of land between Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest this week. The legislation, titled the Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 2015, would incorporate land parcels within the wedge into the Arapaho National Forest and authorize the federal government to acquire land in the designated area from willing landholders.

"This "wedge' of undeveloped land is a perfect example of the natural beauty that makes Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho National Forest such attractive destinations for visitors from across the nation and Colorado alike," said Rep. Polis. "This specific area of land is seen by millions of National Park visitors and development of it would not only significantly impact the scenic beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, but could negatively harm the adjoining Colorado River headwaters."

"The Rocky Mountain Conservancy praises the relentless efforts of Congressman Polis to preserve and protect this important piece of land," Rocky Mountain Conservancy Executive Director Charles Money said. "By closing the gap between these two great public lands, we are also ensuring the preservation of the Colorado River headwaters, an important priority for our group and the thousands of Coloradans and visitors who annually enjoy this beautiful landscape."

The Forest Service currently owns seven of the ten lots that comprise the "wedge." The Forest Boundary has never been adjusted to include them within the Arapaho National Forest, as it requires legislative action to accomplish this.

This bill is supported by the Grand County Board of County Commissioners, the Town of Grand Lake, the Headwaters Trails Alliance, and Conservation Colorado, along with all of the affected private landowners.

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