[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 120 (Wednesday, September 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SPANISH PARKS WILDERNESS ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 1999

  Ms.DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 898 to designate 
certain land in the San Isabel National Forest in the State of Colorado 
as the ``Spanish Peaks Wilderness''. I believe wilderness designation 
for the Spanish Peaks is a critical first step toward preserving the 
unique, pristine wild lands in Colorado. In the last Congress, I 
cosponsored legislation introduced by Representative David Skaggs and 
cosponsored by Representative McInnis which would have protected 
Spanish Peaks as wilderness.
  This year's version is a good bill, but it contains a change which 
causes great concern. Unfortunately, a new provision in the bill allows 
the Forest Service to continue to permit motorized access to an off-
road segment of the Wahatoya trailhead. This provision is both 
unnecessary and environmentally damaging. I hope the legislation will 
be amended to prevent such motorized use in this off-road segment.
  With the introduction of H.R. 829, the Colorado Wilderness Act of 
1999, and H.R. 898, I am heartened that we are having an active and 
thoughtful debate on wilderness. The majority of Coloradans believe 
that we must protect the forty-nine areas designated in my legislation 
as well as the Spanish Peaks. These areas constitute the backbone of 
our state's beauty and are essential in preserving our quality of life.
  I commend my colleague for recognizing the importance of preserving 
lands like the Spanish Peaks Wilderness.

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