Colorado Northern Front Range Mountain Backdrop Protection Study Act

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 210, the Colorado Northern Front Range Mountain Backdrop Protection Study bill.

The bill is intended to help local communities identify ways to protect the Front Range Mountain Backdrop in the northern sections of the Denver-metro area, especially the region just west of what will soon be the Rocky Flats National Widlife Refuge.

The Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest includes much of the land in this backdrop area, but there are other lands as well.

Rising dramatically from the Great Plains, the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains provides a scenic mountain backdrop to many communities in the Denver metropolitan area and elsewhere in Colorado.

The portion of the range addressed in this bill also includes a diverse array of wildlife habitats and provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Its open-space character is an important esthetic and economic asset for adjoining communities, making them attractive locations for homes and businesses.

But rapid population growth in the northern Front Range area of Colorado is increasing recreational use of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest and is also placing increased pressure for development of other lands.

We can see this throughout Colorado and especially along the Front Range.

Homes and shopping centers are spreading up the valleys and along the highways. This development then spreads out along the ridges and mountain tops that make up the backdrop.

The result is potential loss of many of the very qualities that attract new residents.

This bill is designed to help provide a better understanding of what steps might be done to lessen that risk.

Already, local governments and other entities have provided important protection for portions of this mountain backdrop.

The bill acknowledges their good work and aims to assist further efforts along the same lines.

The bill does not interfere with the authority of local authorities regarding land use planning. And it does not infringe on private property rights.

Instead, it will bring the land protection experience of the Forest Service to the table to assist local efforts to protect areas that comprise the backdrop.

Under the bill, the Forest Service will work in collaboration with local communities, the state, nonprofit groups, and other parties.

I think this is in the national interest.

The backdrop both beckoned settlers westward and was a daunting challenge to their progress. Their first exposure to the harshness and humbling majesty of the Rocky Mountain West helped define a region, and the pioneers' independent spirit and respect for nature still lives with us to this day.

We need to work to maintain the mountain backdrop as a cultural and natural heritage for ourselves and generations to come.

This bill is intended to assist in that effort, and I urge its approval.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2110) to provide for a study of options for protecting the open space characteristics of certain lands in and adjacent to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 2110 would require the Forest Service to review lands in or adjacent to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest and report to the Congress on the present ownership of the lands, which undeveloped lands may be risk of development, and what appropriate actions could be taken to preserve the open and undeveloped character of the lands. This study involves how best to protect the open space between the western Denver metro area and the National Forest from development.

This bill was amended in committee to address issues raised by the Forest Service, and we urge its support.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and urge adoption.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, we too encourage adoption of this legislation. I want to commend my good friend and colleague from the State of Colorado, Mr. Mark Udall, for his leadership on this important legislation. Mr. Udall has been a leader in the effort to protect and preserve open space in Colorado and this legislation will help advance this cause. We would encourage its adoption and thank the majority for their cooperation.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.