Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act

Key Points

• Would set aside large areas of federal land in Colorado as new or expanded wilderness, plus new conservation and special management areas, which generally means less development and more protection.
• Creates wildlife conservation areas in parts of the White River National Forest (including a migration corridor over Interstate 70), with limits on new roads, heavy equipment, and commercial timber cutting.
• Sets up the Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Area to block new mining and most new oil and gas leasing there, while offering lease credits if current leaseholders give up certain leases.
• Starts a pilot program to find and reduce leaking methane from coal mines in parts of western Colorado, including possible leases to capture the gas for energy or to destroy it safely.
• Creates the Curecanti National Recreation Area (about 50,300 acres) in the National Park System, generally allowing boating, hunting, and fishing while giving the Park Service clearer authority and planning duties.