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San Juan Wilderness Bill Gains New Supporter

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A bill that would designate about 33,000 acres as wilderness in Western Colorado has gained support from another group promoting the outdoors.

On Wednesday, the Bull Moose Sportsmen’s Alliance put its support behind the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act, which would expand acreage in existing Lizard Head and Mount Sneffels areas. It would also establish a new wilderness area called McKenna Peak.

The bill is co-sponsored in the U.S. Senate by Mark Udall and Michael Bennet. Jennifer Talhelm, a spokesperson for Senator Udall, says the effort has also been supported by Trout Unlimited and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

 “What it does is it helps ensure that the habitat and water quality is strong and healthy—and able to sustain wildlife,” she said.

So far no groups have formally opposed the bill.