Why Hidden Gems?
Life is good here in western Colorado, thanks in large part to our wild and scenic backcountry. Some of this stunning terrain will stay forever wild. Wilderness designation ensures that places like the Flat Tops, Maroon Bells-Snowmass, Holy Cross, Eagles Nest, Raggeds and West Elks Wilderness Areas are permanently protected for future generations to enjoy.
But most of the surrounding public lands – including many “Hidden Gems” – remain unprotected, and at risk. It’s time to secure a new generation of wilderness.
The Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign is championing major new wilderness additions on the White River and Gunnison National Forests and nearby Bureau of Land Management lands. Our proposal will create several brand-new, stand-alone wilderness areas, and significantly enlarge the existing ones. Please join us as we work toward this bold and exciting vision!
Some people who live, work and play in the areas in and around the White River National Forest (where most of the Hidden Gems areas are located) are understandably concerned that wilderness designation would prevent them from riding bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and cars into the back-country.
While it is true that these forms of mechanized travel are prohibited in wilderness, the Hidden Gems Proposal would affect less than half of 1% of roads and trails in the White River National Forest and surrounding BLM lands. If both the Hidden Gems proposal and the expected new travel plans for the Forest Service and the BLM are approved mountain bikers would have 1,056 miles of designated bike trails plus access to all roads and trails designated for motorized use. 1,996 miles of roads and trails would remain open to use by motorcycles and ATVs.
The Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal would close less than 16 miles of motorcycle and ATV trails and less than 8 miles of designated bike routes.
That's it - The Hidden Gems would close only 6 miles of motorized routes and no bike routes in Eagle County, only 5 miles of bike routes and no motorized routes in Summit County and only 3 miles of bike routes and 8 miles of motorized routes in Pitkin County.
This shows that the Hidden Gems is a reasonable, well thought out proposal that is considerate and accommodating to existing and future recreation on the White River National Forest. If you agree write your elected officials or send a letter to the editor.
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