For Immediate Release Wednesday, May 7, 2008	CONTACT: Stephanie Valencia (Salazar) – 202-228-3630 Steve Wymer (Allard) 202-224-6207
Salazar-Allard Rocky Mountain National Park Bill Gains Approval of Senate Energy Committee, Continues Moving Forward in Senate WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Area Act sponsored by Colorado Senators Ken Salazar and Wayne Allard that would provide wilderness designation to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. “Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our nation’s most treasured spaces – from the pinnacle of Long’s Peak to the crystal clear flow of the Big Thompson river – and we want to permanently protect the Park as a pristine wilderness so that future generations can enjoy the scenic vistas and abundant wildlife that make it a world-renown destination,” said Senator Ken Salazar. “Today’s mark-up was an important step to keep the bill moving forward and as this process continues I will continue my efforts to protect Rocky Mountain National Park while ensuring the ability of infrastructure in the park to safely deliver the water that farmers, ranchers and Front Range communities depend upon. There continues to be tremendous support from local counties, municipalities and business chambers to get this wilderness designation done and to get it done now. We will continue to work with the stakeholders and local communities to accomplish this goal soon.” “Like many Coloradans, I have enjoyed hiking and fishing in the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. I remain committed to protecting Colorado's vital and limited water resources while we work to preserve Rocky Mountain National Park as Wilderness,” said Senator Allard. “Today's action is another procedural step. We still must ensure the protection of 20,000 acre feet of water and 40,000 irrigated acres of farm land. Wilderness designation must co-exist with Front Range communities and agriculture.” In May 2007, United States Senator Ken Salazar joined Senator Wayne Allard, Reps. Mark Udall, Marilyn Musgrave (CO-04), John Salazar (CO-03) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) to introduce the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Area Act (S.1380/H.R. 2334). In short, the bill would: Designate 249,339 acres in RMNP as wilderness; Guarantee that the backcountry of RMNP will be managed so that future generations will experience the park as we know it today Allow for the National Park Service to continue bark beetle and fire mitigation efforts as well as emergency response actions; Ensure wilderness designation will not affect water rights connected to the Colorado Big Thompson Project or the Grand River Ditch; and Allow possible construction of a bike trail near Grand Lake. # # #