Letter: Protecting our Public Lands

On June 1, Boulder County citizens will have a terrific opportunity to voice their support for environmental and wilderness protection to their congressman, Rep. Jared Polis. After hearing much from the mountain towns about the Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal to protect public lands, Rep. Polis has scheduled a meeting in Boulder to hear how his Front Range constituents feel about land conservation. Please join me and other wilderness supporters on June 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Boulder Public Library's Canyon Theater. Those who arrive early can enjoy refreshments and meet the proposal's organizers.

Polls show that the public massively supports wilderness in general and this proposal in particular, but it remains vital that supportive citizens actually attend this meeting. The Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal is an important effort that has been underway for many years. It aims to protect fragile backcountry areas from the pressure that is occurring as a result of logging, mineral development and population growth.

The people working on this proposal have ironed out details and boundaries concerning fire, watershed and most user group concerns. But some groups, especially motorized recreation, will come out in force to oppose these important protections.

Citizens who support wilderness protection of our public lands need to come out and voice their opinions. We can't let a few minority groups from the extractive industries and motorized user groups dictate bad policy for our public lands.

JAY HEETER
Campaign Coordinator, The Colorado Mountain Club, Golden

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Source: http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_15136308#axzz0orFLd3MO

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