The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Act received a mark-up in Congress, one of the last steps needed before final passage
GOLDEN, CO (May 3, 2022) — Today, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE) Act received a mark-up in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The mark-up on the bill received a 10-10 party-line vote, marking the farthest the bill has made it in Congress and opening the door for the full Senate to proceed with consideration of the bill for a final vote, when it would then, if passed, be sent to President Biden to sign into law.
“The time for the Senate to pass the CORE Act is now,” says L Fisher (they/them), Trail Policy Manager at the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC). “This legislation is the product of years of collaboration between a wide array of stakeholders and is widely popular for all the benefits that robust land stewardship provides for the state’s economy, community health, and the Colorado way of life. Today’s hearing demonstrates that Colorado’s leaders in Congress are still dedicated to protecting the state’s future, and that we must continue to urge the other members of Congress to heed the words of Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, to recognize the local leadership who have a stake in these protections, and to support this bill.”
The CORE Act would preserve roughly 400,000 acres of public lands encompassing the Continental Divide and Camp Hale, the Thompson Divide, wilderness in the San Juan Mountains, and define the boundaries of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The preservation of these unique historical and ecological sites not only protects some of Colorado’s most pristine lands and waters, but also works to preserve the legacy of Camp Hale, the historic home of the Tenth Mountain Division. CDTC is grateful for the leadership of Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, as well as Congressman Neguse, who have continued to push this bill forward for the benefit of all Coloradoans.
Read more about the bill and the CORE Act Coalition’s Press Release here.
About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.
