16-05-2025
CO lawmakers reintroduce bill protecting Gunnison Basin, surrounding regions
WASHINGTON D.C. (KREX) – In light of Colorado Public Lands Day on Saturday, U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper have reintroduced the Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act (GORP), while U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd introduced companion legislation in the House.
GORP uses a variety of public land management tools like designations focused conservation, wildlife, recreation and scientific research to protect important areas of the Gunnison Basin and its surrounding regions.
'Coloradans have spent over a decade at trailheads and kitchen tables to find common ground and protect Gunnison County's spectacular landscapes, economy and natural resources,' said Bennet. 'This bill proves that people with wide-ranging interests can develop a common vision to preserve our public lands for future generations.'
The bill has come together after years of collaboration between tribes, public lands user groups and local governments. With that, the bill has support from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, local municipalities and the bipartisan support from six Western Colorado counties.
Alongside these groups are those who also love the outdoors and use it daily for fiscal or recreational purposes. The bill has gained support local businesses, ranchers, rock climbers, bikers, hikers, hunters, anglers and whitewater rafters.
'Adventurers across Colorado and the country come to the Gunnison Basin for its rugged canyons and untamed wilderness,' said Hickenlooper. 'Protecting these additional 730,000 acres will help keep it that way for generations.'
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