Public lands in western Colorado are rich in 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. The proposal will create several brand-new, stand-alone wilderness areas, and significantly enlarge the existing ones. 

Please write a letter to your elected officials in support of this proposal today!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to show my support for the Hidden Gems wilderness proposal, and to urge you to support the proposal, as well.

The Hidden Gems proposal has gone through years of field-checking and stakeholder outreach. Major boundary adjustments have been made to accommodate the interests of mountain bikers, grazing and outfitter permit holders and other users. The areas remaining in the proposal are special places that deserve to be protected forever from the threats of road building, motorized vehicles, gas drilling and other extractive industries.

Wilderness areas are a big part of the high quality of life, which helps make our economy as strong as it is. Plus, they protect much of our best hunting and fishing lands, and contribute in numerous other ways to our recreation-based economy.

Please help in setting aside these last best unprotected places before they're lost forever.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
September 21, 2009