Hickenlooper, Bennet, Neguse introduce bill to expand Sarvis Creek Wilderness

U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with Rep. Joe Neguse, have introduced the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act, which would expand the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area in Routt National Forest by 6,817 acres, protecting sub-alpine wilderness habitats and wildlife while providing increased access to outdoor recreation.

“The Sarvis Creek Wilderness is a destination for outdoor recreation and an ecological gem, with a pristine landscape that is close to Steamboat Springs,” Hickenlooper said in a statement.

“Expanding its preservation protects Colorado lands and grows our outdoor recreation economy.”

The legislation fulfills the community’s vision for the entire Sarvis Creek wilderness area by adding 6,817 acres on to the existing 44,556 acres, which had originally been excluded because of a previously proposed plan to develop a ski area.

Wilderness protection would extend to the Harrison and Green Creek watersheds.

The bill also would protect winter range and spring calving areas for the 250-300 elk that inhabit the area in addition to habitats for other native Colorado fish and wildlife.

“The expansion of Sarvis Creek expands outdoor opportunities for Coloradans, protects important wildlife habitat and safeguards important water resources in our Western Slope.

This is important for future generations, and I appreciate Sen. Hickenlooper’s leadership on this issue,” Gov. Jared Polis said.

“The Routt County commissioners are very pleased to see the introduction of the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act into the United States Congress,” Commissioner Tim Corrigan said.

“This expansion fulfills the original vision for the Sarvis Creek Wilderness and will work to preserve an intact primitive ecosystem.”