Ok if hidden gems is about protecting the land from mining and drilling then why go to the lengths as to deem wilderness. When in order to drill and or mine approval from state and local gov. must be obtained in which local vote must be obtained. There agenda is greater then the sheet that they are spreading over your eyes.
IMPORTANT!! Hidden Gems Awareness information.
- Thread starter black swan
- Start date
awesome article, very to the point! way to go Sean & Kristy!!
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20100125/VALLEYNEWS/100129927/1065&parentprofile=1074
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20100125/VALLEYNEWS/100129927/1065&parentprofile=1074
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20100227/NEWS/100229806
and
http://www.summitdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100229795
Unexpected twist for Hidden Gems
Environmentalists, motorized forest users explore compromise
By Scott Condon
the aspen times,
Relations between the granola heads and motor heads are thawing.
After spending the last half of 2009 attacking one another, conservationists promoting the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign and an umbrella organization for forest users who oppose the plan are now exploring compromise.
Representatives of Wilderness Workshop and other environmental groups have been meeting with representatives of the White River Forest Alliance for about six weeks. Neither side is making promises.
Even if it doesn't yield an agreement on a Wilderness proposal, the process has been valuable for building trust and opening communication, said Sloan Shoemaker, executive director of Wilderness Workshop and Jack Albright, vice president of the White River Forest Alliance.
“It's a great thawing of what was very polarizing before,” Shoemaker said.
Wilderness Workshop and other environmental groups want to place Wilderness protection on additional public lands in Summit, Pitkin, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison and Mesa counties. Wilderness prohibits mechanized uses, from four-wheel-drive vehicles to mountain bikes.
At one time, Hidden Gems targeted 400,000 additional acres. That has been whittled down by an undetermined amount through compromises with rock climbers, mountain bikers, ranchers and — as a result of the latest talks — snowmobilers.
Albright and Shoemaker said Hidden Gems is withdrawing land in the East Willow Creek area, southwest of Carbondale. Shoemaker said the area, south of Thompson Creek, is “snowmobile heaven” so it was pulled out after one of the discussions with the forest alliance and a snowmobile group. Shoemaker said the acreage affected wasn't immediately available.
“It doesn't mean we're going to simply walk away from them,” Shoemaker said of withdrawn areas. Alternative protection, but not Wilderness, will be sought for East Willow Creek.
Other meetings will be used to identify concerns of users groups over specific lands in the Hidden Gems proposal. Maps are marked with areas recreational users want excluded. Once all concerns have been identified, the Hidden Gems proponents will “evaluate how do we resolve some of these conflicts,” Shoemaker said. There is no deadline for how long the talks will be held. As long as progress is made, the two sides will keep talking.
“I don't think we have any illusions that we'll have 100 percent agreement,” Shoemaker said, adding they would be satisfied if the forest alliance didn't oppose the plan.
Albright stressed that the White River Forest Alliance “still stands in opposition” to the proposal. It will reserve judgment until the proponents make their final adjustments and a bill is introduced in U.S. Congress. The alliance may never support or endorse the proposal, he said.
‘Democracy at its finest'
Not all members of the forest alliance support the talks, or what Albright labeled “a collaborative process.” Their position is “not a single acre more” of Wilderness. “That's a segment, not a majority,” he said.
Regardless of whether a compromise occurs, Albright said the process is democracy at its finest. Citizens have a legal right to pursue the addition of Wilderness. “The people that live and recreate here have a right to oppose it,” he said.
The political reality appears that Hidden Gems must try to eliminate conflict with as many user groups as possible. No member of Congress will want to introduce a bill if the issue seems particularly contentious.
However, Shoemaker insisted there has been no change of direction for Hidden Gems proponents. The intent all along was to reach out to forest stakeholders, he said. “This is precisely the process we were hoping to go through.”
It didn't always appear that way. In August 2009, Shoemaker told The Aspen Times that only so much compromise was possible. “Everybody says, ‘We like Wilderness, just don't do it where it affects my pursuit, my adrenaline rush, my activity.' I just ask people to look at higher values than our recreational pursuits,” he said.
Shoemaker and Albright acknowledged there was plenty of rhetoric earlier in the Hidden Gems debate.
and
http://www.summitdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100229795
Unexpected twist for Hidden Gems
Environmentalists, motorized forest users explore compromise
By Scott Condon
the aspen times,
Relations between the granola heads and motor heads are thawing.
After spending the last half of 2009 attacking one another, conservationists promoting the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign and an umbrella organization for forest users who oppose the plan are now exploring compromise.
Representatives of Wilderness Workshop and other environmental groups have been meeting with representatives of the White River Forest Alliance for about six weeks. Neither side is making promises.
Even if it doesn't yield an agreement on a Wilderness proposal, the process has been valuable for building trust and opening communication, said Sloan Shoemaker, executive director of Wilderness Workshop and Jack Albright, vice president of the White River Forest Alliance.
“It's a great thawing of what was very polarizing before,” Shoemaker said.
Wilderness Workshop and other environmental groups want to place Wilderness protection on additional public lands in Summit, Pitkin, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison and Mesa counties. Wilderness prohibits mechanized uses, from four-wheel-drive vehicles to mountain bikes.
At one time, Hidden Gems targeted 400,000 additional acres. That has been whittled down by an undetermined amount through compromises with rock climbers, mountain bikers, ranchers and — as a result of the latest talks — snowmobilers.
Albright and Shoemaker said Hidden Gems is withdrawing land in the East Willow Creek area, southwest of Carbondale. Shoemaker said the area, south of Thompson Creek, is “snowmobile heaven” so it was pulled out after one of the discussions with the forest alliance and a snowmobile group. Shoemaker said the acreage affected wasn't immediately available.
“It doesn't mean we're going to simply walk away from them,” Shoemaker said of withdrawn areas. Alternative protection, but not Wilderness, will be sought for East Willow Creek.
Other meetings will be used to identify concerns of users groups over specific lands in the Hidden Gems proposal. Maps are marked with areas recreational users want excluded. Once all concerns have been identified, the Hidden Gems proponents will “evaluate how do we resolve some of these conflicts,” Shoemaker said. There is no deadline for how long the talks will be held. As long as progress is made, the two sides will keep talking.
“I don't think we have any illusions that we'll have 100 percent agreement,” Shoemaker said, adding they would be satisfied if the forest alliance didn't oppose the plan.
Albright stressed that the White River Forest Alliance “still stands in opposition” to the proposal. It will reserve judgment until the proponents make their final adjustments and a bill is introduced in U.S. Congress. The alliance may never support or endorse the proposal, he said.
‘Democracy at its finest'
Not all members of the forest alliance support the talks, or what Albright labeled “a collaborative process.” Their position is “not a single acre more” of Wilderness. “That's a segment, not a majority,” he said.
Regardless of whether a compromise occurs, Albright said the process is democracy at its finest. Citizens have a legal right to pursue the addition of Wilderness. “The people that live and recreate here have a right to oppose it,” he said.
The political reality appears that Hidden Gems must try to eliminate conflict with as many user groups as possible. No member of Congress will want to introduce a bill if the issue seems particularly contentious.
However, Shoemaker insisted there has been no change of direction for Hidden Gems proponents. The intent all along was to reach out to forest stakeholders, he said. “This is precisely the process we were hoping to go through.”
It didn't always appear that way. In August 2009, Shoemaker told The Aspen Times that only so much compromise was possible. “Everybody says, ‘We like Wilderness, just don't do it where it affects my pursuit, my adrenaline rush, my activity.' I just ask people to look at higher values than our recreational pursuits,” he said.
Shoemaker and Albright acknowledged there was plenty of rhetoric earlier in the Hidden Gems debate.
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20100301/NEWS/100309991/1077
Garfield County, Hidden Gems agree to wait on presentation
John Colson
Glenwood Springs correspondent
Aspen, CO Colorado,
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — As the Hidden Gems wilderness proposal continues to make its way through the thickets of local politics, one controversial claim by an apparent critic is being denied by the proponents and a Garfield County commissioner.
Hidden Gems is a proposal to designate as wilderness roughly 400,000 acres of federal lands in Summit, Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield and Gunnison counties. If approved, it would close those lands to motorized and mechanized recreation, such as snowmobiling and mountain biking.
Garfield County contains approximately 1,600 acres of the total proposed wilderness, according to proponents.
A letter to the editors of local papers last week maintained that “the Hidden Gems folks have fallen short of keeping their word again.”
The letter writer, Nancy Williams, argued that the proponents had “refused an invitation” to make a presentation before the Garfield County commissioners.
But Commissioner John Martin said on Friday that it wasn't a matter of a refusal, so much as a decision to wait and use the delay to do more public outreach.
“They thought that [having a big, public meeting now] would be kind of a set-up for confrontation,” Martin said.
He added that he did not feel the Hidden Gems proponents had gone back on a promise or somehow betrayed the county or its residents.
But “they've got a rough row to hoe,” Martin said.
Sloan Shoemaker, director of Wilderness Workshop and a leader of the Hidden Gems effort, said he had met with Fred Jarman, Garfield County's director of building and planning, and that the two had agreed a public meeting would not be productive “at this point.”
He explained that the Hidden Gems proposal ran into a hostile reception recently at a large public forum in Eagle, and proponents realized they have more work to do to win public approval.
“It just turns into a shout-fest,” he said of the big public meetings.
But, he said, the proponents are meeting with a variety of “stakeholders,” such as the White River Forest Alliance and representatives of motorized user-groups who object to the proposed wilderness designations.
“We are building trust and moving forward,” Shoemaker remarked. “We'd like to resolve as much of that conflict as we can and then go public.”
jcolson@aspentimes.com
Garfield County, Hidden Gems agree to wait on presentation
John Colson
Glenwood Springs correspondent
Aspen, CO Colorado,
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — As the Hidden Gems wilderness proposal continues to make its way through the thickets of local politics, one controversial claim by an apparent critic is being denied by the proponents and a Garfield County commissioner.
Hidden Gems is a proposal to designate as wilderness roughly 400,000 acres of federal lands in Summit, Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield and Gunnison counties. If approved, it would close those lands to motorized and mechanized recreation, such as snowmobiling and mountain biking.
Garfield County contains approximately 1,600 acres of the total proposed wilderness, according to proponents.
A letter to the editors of local papers last week maintained that “the Hidden Gems folks have fallen short of keeping their word again.”
The letter writer, Nancy Williams, argued that the proponents had “refused an invitation” to make a presentation before the Garfield County commissioners.
But Commissioner John Martin said on Friday that it wasn't a matter of a refusal, so much as a decision to wait and use the delay to do more public outreach.
“They thought that [having a big, public meeting now] would be kind of a set-up for confrontation,” Martin said.
He added that he did not feel the Hidden Gems proponents had gone back on a promise or somehow betrayed the county or its residents.
But “they've got a rough row to hoe,” Martin said.
Sloan Shoemaker, director of Wilderness Workshop and a leader of the Hidden Gems effort, said he had met with Fred Jarman, Garfield County's director of building and planning, and that the two had agreed a public meeting would not be productive “at this point.”
He explained that the Hidden Gems proposal ran into a hostile reception recently at a large public forum in Eagle, and proponents realized they have more work to do to win public approval.
“It just turns into a shout-fest,” he said of the big public meetings.
But, he said, the proponents are meeting with a variety of “stakeholders,” such as the White River Forest Alliance and representatives of motorized user-groups who object to the proposed wilderness designations.
“We are building trust and moving forward,” Shoemaker remarked. “We'd like to resolve as much of that conflict as we can and then go public.”
jcolson@aspentimes.com
H
Hillclimber
Active member
Polis Community Meeting in Frisco -Monday April 5th
All right everyone who rides in Summit and Eagle County, the time is here.
You don't like the proposed Hidden Gems Wilderness? You pissed off at losing your favorite riding areas? Now here's your chance to tell the man who's going to sponsor it, in person.
Congressman Jared Polis is coming to Frisco for a "Community Meeting" this coming Monday. He will be at Vinny's Euro American Restaurant ,310 Main Street Monday night at 7:15pm. For one hour only.
We are rallying the Motorized Community, Monday night at 6:30. We need to show up in force. We need lots of men, women and children who care about motorized use to come out and let him know that special interest groups cheating us out of access to our public land is not ok.
We need lots of homemade "No Hidden Gems" signs.
This is going to be a big surprise to Polis, the Hidden Gems folks and the Pro-Hidden Gems newspapers up here.
They have already written off this proposed Wilderness in Summit and Eagle County as a done deal. They think there's no opposition from user groups here.
We need to show them that we won't sit by quietly while they steal our land.
Please join us in Frisco, Monday at 6:30 while we voice our opposition. Invite your friends who care, just don't tell the greenies!
All right everyone who rides in Summit and Eagle County, the time is here.
You don't like the proposed Hidden Gems Wilderness? You pissed off at losing your favorite riding areas? Now here's your chance to tell the man who's going to sponsor it, in person.
Congressman Jared Polis is coming to Frisco for a "Community Meeting" this coming Monday. He will be at Vinny's Euro American Restaurant ,310 Main Street Monday night at 7:15pm. For one hour only.
We are rallying the Motorized Community, Monday night at 6:30. We need to show up in force. We need lots of men, women and children who care about motorized use to come out and let him know that special interest groups cheating us out of access to our public land is not ok.
We need lots of homemade "No Hidden Gems" signs.
This is going to be a big surprise to Polis, the Hidden Gems folks and the Pro-Hidden Gems newspapers up here.
They have already written off this proposed Wilderness in Summit and Eagle County as a done deal. They think there's no opposition from user groups here.
We need to show them that we won't sit by quietly while they steal our land.
Please join us in Frisco, Monday at 6:30 while we voice our opposition. Invite your friends who care, just don't tell the greenies!
Here is the entire Polis schedule:
Show up where you can
Show up where you can
The proposal was officially submitted to Congress today. Again, write letters, write letters to any congressman. Encourage friends to do the same.
Proposal:
http://www.whiteriverwild.org/public/File/HG_CD2_Book_WEB_March_2010_low_res.pdf
Proposal:
http://www.whiteriverwild.org/public/File/HG_CD2_Book_WEB_March_2010_low_res.pdf
H
Hillclimber
Active member
Frisco HG open house meetings with Polis's rep every week!
E-mail from Polis's office:
Greetings,
Thank you for attending the meeting in Frisco, CO on April 5, 2010 with Representative Polis.
Your feedback on the Hidden Gems proposal for Summit and Eagle counties is important to our office. At this time, we are evaluating the proposal. We may develop legislation with areas from the proposal in it, but only if after evaluating them any are deemed appropriate for legislative action. The proposal by the Hidden Gems coalition and actual legislation should not be confused.
As we stated at the meeting, we would like to obtain your feedback on the specific merits or short-comings of each specific area in Summit and Eagle counties to determine what may or may not be suitable for legislation.
You may access the proposal at http://www.whiteriverwild.org/p-158.html. Once at the site, click on “PDF of the entire proposal” and you will have access to the proposal and maps of each individual area in Summit and Eagle Counties. I am also willing to send you the PDF via email if you would prefer, but it is a large file.
· I will hold open office hours each week to discuss the proposal and notify you via email of the times as they may vary from week to week. Next week, I will hold open hours from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm on Thursday, April 15th, 2010. My office is located at 101 W. Main Street in Frisco, in the building next to Alpine Natural Foods. I will be available in the main foyer to meet with you. If these times are not convenient for you, I am also willing to schedule separate meetings when possible.
Ø If you are unable to meet with me, you may also submit your feedback on the proposal via the email address: feedback.polis@mail.house.gov. Please be sure to include your mailing address and phone number so that we may follow-up with you as necessary.
Moving forward, I will notify you of other opportunities to provide feedback. Also, I will let you know when we will be having larger public meetings on the proposal.
If you would like to be removed from this email list, please notify me.
Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.
Nissa Erickson
District Representative
Congressman Jared Polis
101 W. Main St., Suite #101D
PO Box 1453
Frisco, CO 80443
nissa.erickson@mail.house.gov
Office: 970-668-3240
--
Join COHVCO today: https://cohvco.org/forms/univmembform.pdf
Visit the COHVCO web site at www.cohvco.org
This email and any files transmitted with it are proprietary and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender.
Notice: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for research and educational purposes. research and educational purposes.
E-mail from Polis's office:
Greetings,
Thank you for attending the meeting in Frisco, CO on April 5, 2010 with Representative Polis.
Your feedback on the Hidden Gems proposal for Summit and Eagle counties is important to our office. At this time, we are evaluating the proposal. We may develop legislation with areas from the proposal in it, but only if after evaluating them any are deemed appropriate for legislative action. The proposal by the Hidden Gems coalition and actual legislation should not be confused.
As we stated at the meeting, we would like to obtain your feedback on the specific merits or short-comings of each specific area in Summit and Eagle counties to determine what may or may not be suitable for legislation.
You may access the proposal at http://www.whiteriverwild.org/p-158.html. Once at the site, click on “PDF of the entire proposal” and you will have access to the proposal and maps of each individual area in Summit and Eagle Counties. I am also willing to send you the PDF via email if you would prefer, but it is a large file.
· I will hold open office hours each week to discuss the proposal and notify you via email of the times as they may vary from week to week. Next week, I will hold open hours from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm on Thursday, April 15th, 2010. My office is located at 101 W. Main Street in Frisco, in the building next to Alpine Natural Foods. I will be available in the main foyer to meet with you. If these times are not convenient for you, I am also willing to schedule separate meetings when possible.
Ø If you are unable to meet with me, you may also submit your feedback on the proposal via the email address: feedback.polis@mail.house.gov. Please be sure to include your mailing address and phone number so that we may follow-up with you as necessary.
Moving forward, I will notify you of other opportunities to provide feedback. Also, I will let you know when we will be having larger public meetings on the proposal.
If you would like to be removed from this email list, please notify me.
Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.
Nissa Erickson
District Representative
Congressman Jared Polis
101 W. Main St., Suite #101D
PO Box 1453
Frisco, CO 80443
nissa.erickson@mail.house.gov
Office: 970-668-3240
--
Join COHVCO today: https://cohvco.org/forms/univmembform.pdf
Visit the COHVCO web site at www.cohvco.org
This email and any files transmitted with it are proprietary and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender.
Notice: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for research and educational purposes. research and educational purposes.
Just wondering if anyone else was going up to this?
I went to a meeting last night at the Eagle Airport. Commissioner Stavney (Eagle County) and Polis' aid Nissa were in attendance. There is some good news in that Nissa told everyone that Congressman Polis will be reviewing the package at this point and will weigh in the opposition. He is planning public meetings in both Eagle and Summit county. This is an important time for sledders. We need to get as many people as possible at these events. The more opposition, the less likely this will happen.
Are yoru meetings HG specific meetings or are they the generic Town Hall meetings like Rep Polis has been having in the Front Range? We had to sit through a ton of stuff about health care and the war and then raise HG
Our club meetings are all club related stuff and then we talk HG. The other meetings I have gone to have mostly been just HG other than the town council meetings and Board of Commissioner meetings.
Sorry my post was a lot less than clear........
I was wondering about the meetings with Polis?
I was wondering about the meetings with Polis?
Sorry my post was a lot less than clear........
I have yet to have a meeting with Polis. The WRFA has tried and he hasn't responded in person. He has sent his aid Nissa a few times. Supposedly this is coming in the near future though.
Just got this email today!!
Greetings,
As the District Representative for Congressman Polis, I am holding open office hours each week to discuss the Hidden Gems proposal and will notify you via email of the times as they will vary. Next week, I will hold open hours from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010. My office is located at 101 W. Main Street in Frisco, in the building next to Alpine Natural Foods. I will be available in the main foyer to meet with you. If these times are not convenient for you, I am also willing to schedule separate meetings when possible.
Ø If you are unable to meet with me, you may also submit your feedback on the proposal via the email address: feedback.polis@mail.house.gov. Please be sure to include your mailing address and phone number so that we may follow-up with you as necessary.
We are working on scheduling public meetings later in the Spring that will take place in Eagle, Summit and Boulder. As soon as we have all of the details, I will let you know.
· You may find the proposal at http://www.whiteriverwild.org/p-158.html. Once at the site, click on “PDF of the entire proposal” and you will have access to the proposal and maps of each individual area in Summit and Eagle Counties. I am also willing to send you the PDF via email if you would prefer, but it is a large file.
At this time, we are evaluating the proposal. We may develop legislation with areas from the proposal in it, but only if after evaluating them any are deemed appropriate for legislative action. The proposal by the Hidden Gems Coalition and actual legislation should not be confused. Your feedback on the Hidden Gems proposal for Summit and Eagle counties is important to our office. We would like to obtain your feedback on the specific merits or short-comings of each area in Summit and Eagle counties to determine what may or may not be suitable for legislation.
If you would like to be removed from this email list, please notify me.
Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.
Nissa Erickson
District Representative
Congressman Jared Polis
101 W. Main St., Suite #101D
PO Box 1453
Frisco, CO 80443
Office: 970-668-3240
www.jaredpolis.house.gov
Greetings,
As the District Representative for Congressman Polis, I am holding open office hours each week to discuss the Hidden Gems proposal and will notify you via email of the times as they will vary. Next week, I will hold open hours from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010. My office is located at 101 W. Main Street in Frisco, in the building next to Alpine Natural Foods. I will be available in the main foyer to meet with you. If these times are not convenient for you, I am also willing to schedule separate meetings when possible.
Ø If you are unable to meet with me, you may also submit your feedback on the proposal via the email address: feedback.polis@mail.house.gov. Please be sure to include your mailing address and phone number so that we may follow-up with you as necessary.
We are working on scheduling public meetings later in the Spring that will take place in Eagle, Summit and Boulder. As soon as we have all of the details, I will let you know.
· You may find the proposal at http://www.whiteriverwild.org/p-158.html. Once at the site, click on “PDF of the entire proposal” and you will have access to the proposal and maps of each individual area in Summit and Eagle Counties. I am also willing to send you the PDF via email if you would prefer, but it is a large file.
At this time, we are evaluating the proposal. We may develop legislation with areas from the proposal in it, but only if after evaluating them any are deemed appropriate for legislative action. The proposal by the Hidden Gems Coalition and actual legislation should not be confused. Your feedback on the Hidden Gems proposal for Summit and Eagle counties is important to our office. We would like to obtain your feedback on the specific merits or short-comings of each area in Summit and Eagle counties to determine what may or may not be suitable for legislation.
If you would like to be removed from this email list, please notify me.
Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.
Nissa Erickson
District Representative
Congressman Jared Polis
101 W. Main St., Suite #101D
PO Box 1453
Frisco, CO 80443
Office: 970-668-3240
www.jaredpolis.house.gov
Here is a (growing) list of businesses that support Hidden Gems.
http://www.whiteriverwild.org/p-endorsers-123.html
If you currently use any of these businesses let them know that you will no longer continue using them because of their support.
Edit... Here is also a photo of a list of people that support it. Maybe this will make people on here realize how much work we have to do.
http://www.whiteriverwild.org/p-endorsers-123.html
If you currently use any of these businesses let them know that you will no longer continue using them because of their support.
Edit... Here is also a photo of a list of people that support it. Maybe this will make people on here realize how much work we have to do.
Last edited:
NOW IS THE TIME!!
Congressman
Jared Polis
2nd District, Colorado | 501 Cannon HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 | (202) 225-2161
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2010
Contact: Lara Cottingham
(202) 503-6067 or Lara.Cottingham@mail.house.gov
Polis Releases Public Review Schedule for Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal
WASHINGTON—Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) released today an initial schedule of events for public review of the Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal. The “Hidden Gems Coalition” recently submitted to the Congressman a formal proposal for new designated wilderness areas in the White River National Forest within Summit and Eagle Counties. Polis is asking all stakeholders for their input and full participation in an extensive public review process.
“After receiving the coalition’s proposal, we now need the help of every possible stakeholder to put it under the microscope and make sure it checks out, before my office decides if or how we go forward,” Polis said. “Our goal is to examine this proposal area by area, trail by trail, and gather as much public input as possible. At the end of the day, if there are areas that are appropriate for wilderness designation, we will seriously consider thoughtful legislation for those specific areas, but areas that aren’t right for wilderness or our local communities will not be included.”
Beginning April 22 through May 25, Congressman Polis’ Frisco office will hold open office hours (see schedule below) to allow area residents and affected stakeholders to share their input, dissect proposal maps, and address questions regarding the Hidden Gems Wilderness proposal with Congressman Polis district representative for the area, Nissa Erickson.
Information on additional Hidden Gems meetings and community forums to be held when Polis is back in Colorado for Congress’ Memorial Day recess (May 31 – June 4) will be released soon.
Residents are also urged to email any detailed comments or known use conflicts on the Hidden Gems proposal to feedback.polis@mail.house.gov. Interested individuals can also contact Nissa Erickson at 970.668.3240 to schedule a separate meeting.
What: Office Hours for Public Review of Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal with Congressional Staff
Where: Congressman Polis’ Frisco office - in the main foyer of the building
101 W. Main Street
Frisco, CO 80443
970.668.3240
When:
Thursday, April 22: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Thursday, April 29: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Wednesday, May 5: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday, May 12: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday, May 18: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Tuesday, May 25: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Information on Polis’ upcoming events is posted on his Congressional website at www.polis.house.gov/calendar.
###
Congressman
Jared Polis
2nd District, Colorado | 501 Cannon HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 | (202) 225-2161
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2010
Contact: Lara Cottingham
(202) 503-6067 or Lara.Cottingham@mail.house.gov
Polis Releases Public Review Schedule for Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal
WASHINGTON—Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) released today an initial schedule of events for public review of the Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal. The “Hidden Gems Coalition” recently submitted to the Congressman a formal proposal for new designated wilderness areas in the White River National Forest within Summit and Eagle Counties. Polis is asking all stakeholders for their input and full participation in an extensive public review process.
“After receiving the coalition’s proposal, we now need the help of every possible stakeholder to put it under the microscope and make sure it checks out, before my office decides if or how we go forward,” Polis said. “Our goal is to examine this proposal area by area, trail by trail, and gather as much public input as possible. At the end of the day, if there are areas that are appropriate for wilderness designation, we will seriously consider thoughtful legislation for those specific areas, but areas that aren’t right for wilderness or our local communities will not be included.”
Beginning April 22 through May 25, Congressman Polis’ Frisco office will hold open office hours (see schedule below) to allow area residents and affected stakeholders to share their input, dissect proposal maps, and address questions regarding the Hidden Gems Wilderness proposal with Congressman Polis district representative for the area, Nissa Erickson.
Information on additional Hidden Gems meetings and community forums to be held when Polis is back in Colorado for Congress’ Memorial Day recess (May 31 – June 4) will be released soon.
Residents are also urged to email any detailed comments or known use conflicts on the Hidden Gems proposal to feedback.polis@mail.house.gov. Interested individuals can also contact Nissa Erickson at 970.668.3240 to schedule a separate meeting.
What: Office Hours for Public Review of Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal with Congressional Staff
Where: Congressman Polis’ Frisco office - in the main foyer of the building
101 W. Main Street
Frisco, CO 80443
970.668.3240
When:
Thursday, April 22: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Thursday, April 29: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Wednesday, May 5: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday, May 12: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday, May 18: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Tuesday, May 25: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Information on Polis’ upcoming events is posted on his Congressional website at www.polis.house.gov/calendar.
###
H
Hillclimber
Active member
Summit Club Meeting with Polis's rep 4-22
Members from the High Country Snowmobile Club met with Nissa Erickson yesterday. Here's an update:
We were able to spend a few hours with Nissa, going over each of the Summit County proposed wilderness areas including Lower Piney, in detail. She had plastic maps that we were able to make notes on as we talked. I brought the current and proposed winter motorized maps from the USFS Travel management plan to compare to the HG maps. We pointed out some discrepancies on the HG maps which lists certain roads as being decommissioned and many trails which have always been motorized (dirt bike) as mountain bike only.
It was helpful to point out the current open motorized areas in many of the proposed wilderness areas.
Here's what we talked about, it will help our cause if she hears the same things reinforced when each of you meets with her.
We paid special attention to the Travel Management Plan process; how it's a much better process than this proposal. Realize that the HG campaign not meeting us and with other motorized users, has forced her into the position to make location judgments for the final proposal. A proposal which Polis will propose as legislature. We reminded her that she has no way near the public input or the background of the folks working on the TMP. We told her how long we've been commenting on the process and that it should continue to be a living breathing process, not something locking up land, forever based on the wishes of a few special interests. Snowmobiles have changed so much in the past 10 years, they are quieter, more powerful, less smell. Imagine where they'll be in another 10. There will be even less conflicts, we need the flexibility of the TMP process. Thru that process, we'll have a voice in opening and closing areas.
We talked about the amount of current wilderness in the county, 33%, this proposal brings that to 48%. Polis said there is enough of the forest to accommodate all the users, people need somewhere quiet to hike. We reminded her that we are hikers, we can hike in 100% of the current forest, wilderness or not. We can't snowmobile everywhere, most of the land is not suitable for snowmobiles and it's already restricted or non motorized. This makes the few areas that we use that much more important to us. Snowmobilers need open motorized in above tree line areas, a destination at the end of the trail. We are already limited in open motorized areas, taking areas that have been historically snowmobile areas and making them wilderness reduces that area even further. What are the impacts to the few areas left?
We talked about the isolation of many of these areas. Elliot Ridge, Porcupine, Lower Piney and many others are so far off the beaten winter path, so far away from the trail head, we never see anyone else there. There are no user conflicts, there are no noise complaints because there are no other users. Snowmobiles ride on top of several feet of snow, unlike any other type of recreation, we have zero impact to the land. Compare that to horses.
We talked about the high esteem each of us holds for our current wilderness areas. How we try to educate other snowmobilers of the boundaries. Adding random little wilderness areas, taking land that was open to us, land that we've taken good care of, just to make it non motorized, devalues every piece of wilderness. We don't to see that happen.
I think it's important to show that we do use these areas and that we try our best to respect the current boundaries, (even of they aren't marked that well.)
My impression was that she has a good knowledge about Summit County and is familiar with the various areas, that helps. She has worked with and spoken to lots of the people who represent the various user groups in the county. She realized that we are not the typical stereotype, motor head, snowmobilers. (It definitely helps to be knowledgeable on the specific areas as well as passionate.) She realizes that the current HG proposal is one sided and that the HG folks did not seek the appropriate input from snowmobilers or motorized users. I think she is genuinely interested in compromising on a plan that would better meet the needs of the various users.
Then again, she is a politician's employee. Regardless of her input to Polis or our feedback, Polis may be going through the motions with these meetings and push this proposal as is. Either way, we need to continue to make her aware that this proposal impacts many snowmobilers and other motorized users.
We need to have folks at each of these meetings for the 5 weeks, the new schedule is below. Even if you can only stop by for a few minutes during lunch one day, it will make a help make our case. They will have office meetings for the next 5 weeks and then Polis will be in town to personally host a few large community meetings. Expect them around May 31st to the 3rd. From what I hear, one in Summit, one in Eagle, maybe even one in the front range.
There's your update.
Rich Holcroft
President, High Country Snowmobile Club
PS:
Check out the Summit Daily tomorrow, 2-24. I spent over an hour today meeting with their reporter talking all about how this will impact summit county snowmobilers and anyone who rides in Summit County
.
Lets see how they spin that into a pro hidden gems story.
Members from the High Country Snowmobile Club met with Nissa Erickson yesterday. Here's an update:
We were able to spend a few hours with Nissa, going over each of the Summit County proposed wilderness areas including Lower Piney, in detail. She had plastic maps that we were able to make notes on as we talked. I brought the current and proposed winter motorized maps from the USFS Travel management plan to compare to the HG maps. We pointed out some discrepancies on the HG maps which lists certain roads as being decommissioned and many trails which have always been motorized (dirt bike) as mountain bike only.
It was helpful to point out the current open motorized areas in many of the proposed wilderness areas.
Here's what we talked about, it will help our cause if she hears the same things reinforced when each of you meets with her.
We paid special attention to the Travel Management Plan process; how it's a much better process than this proposal. Realize that the HG campaign not meeting us and with other motorized users, has forced her into the position to make location judgments for the final proposal. A proposal which Polis will propose as legislature. We reminded her that she has no way near the public input or the background of the folks working on the TMP. We told her how long we've been commenting on the process and that it should continue to be a living breathing process, not something locking up land, forever based on the wishes of a few special interests. Snowmobiles have changed so much in the past 10 years, they are quieter, more powerful, less smell. Imagine where they'll be in another 10. There will be even less conflicts, we need the flexibility of the TMP process. Thru that process, we'll have a voice in opening and closing areas.
We talked about the amount of current wilderness in the county, 33%, this proposal brings that to 48%. Polis said there is enough of the forest to accommodate all the users, people need somewhere quiet to hike. We reminded her that we are hikers, we can hike in 100% of the current forest, wilderness or not. We can't snowmobile everywhere, most of the land is not suitable for snowmobiles and it's already restricted or non motorized. This makes the few areas that we use that much more important to us. Snowmobilers need open motorized in above tree line areas, a destination at the end of the trail. We are already limited in open motorized areas, taking areas that have been historically snowmobile areas and making them wilderness reduces that area even further. What are the impacts to the few areas left?
We talked about the isolation of many of these areas. Elliot Ridge, Porcupine, Lower Piney and many others are so far off the beaten winter path, so far away from the trail head, we never see anyone else there. There are no user conflicts, there are no noise complaints because there are no other users. Snowmobiles ride on top of several feet of snow, unlike any other type of recreation, we have zero impact to the land. Compare that to horses.
We talked about the high esteem each of us holds for our current wilderness areas. How we try to educate other snowmobilers of the boundaries. Adding random little wilderness areas, taking land that was open to us, land that we've taken good care of, just to make it non motorized, devalues every piece of wilderness. We don't to see that happen.
I think it's important to show that we do use these areas and that we try our best to respect the current boundaries, (even of they aren't marked that well.)
My impression was that she has a good knowledge about Summit County and is familiar with the various areas, that helps. She has worked with and spoken to lots of the people who represent the various user groups in the county. She realized that we are not the typical stereotype, motor head, snowmobilers. (It definitely helps to be knowledgeable on the specific areas as well as passionate.) She realizes that the current HG proposal is one sided and that the HG folks did not seek the appropriate input from snowmobilers or motorized users. I think she is genuinely interested in compromising on a plan that would better meet the needs of the various users.
Then again, she is a politician's employee. Regardless of her input to Polis or our feedback, Polis may be going through the motions with these meetings and push this proposal as is. Either way, we need to continue to make her aware that this proposal impacts many snowmobilers and other motorized users.
We need to have folks at each of these meetings for the 5 weeks, the new schedule is below. Even if you can only stop by for a few minutes during lunch one day, it will make a help make our case. They will have office meetings for the next 5 weeks and then Polis will be in town to personally host a few large community meetings. Expect them around May 31st to the 3rd. From what I hear, one in Summit, one in Eagle, maybe even one in the front range.
There's your update.
Rich Holcroft
President, High Country Snowmobile Club
PS:
Check out the Summit Daily tomorrow, 2-24. I spent over an hour today meeting with their reporter talking all about how this will impact summit county snowmobilers and anyone who rides in Summit County
.
Lets see how they spin that into a pro hidden gems story.
H
Hillclimber
Active member
Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal Public Forum
Got to get the word out about these meetings and get as many snowmobilers to the meetings as possible.
It sucks but the future of snowmobiling in Summit and Eagle Counties is on the line.
HC
E-mail from Polis's rep
"Greetings,
We have finalized the Hidden Gems public meeting schedule for the Memorial Day/June recess. The formal press release will be going out later today.
At each meeting, we will have maps of individual areas outside the meeting area with feedback sheets and the public will have the option to walk around and take a look at the areas for the first 20 – 25 minutes. Then, we will request that people take their seats and we will have brief introductions of the invited panelists and an overview of how the Q&A/comment session will proceed.
We will then move to the public comment and question period where various panelists may answer questions and provide information as needed. I also anticipate having the capability to display various maps throughout the Q&A via a projector system. We will provide additional general feedback forms for those that may not want to ask their questions or provide comments during the session.
After we send out invites and receive confirmations, I will let you know who is able to attend each meeting.
The meeting schedule is as follows:
What: Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal Public Forum
Who: Congressman Polis and Community
Where/When:
Tuesday, June 1
5:30-7:00 pm
Boulder Public Library
Canyon Theater
1000 Canyon Boulevard
Boulder, CO 80302
Thursday, June 3
5:30-7:00 pm
Battle Mountain High School
Auditorium
151 Miller Ranch Road
Edwards, CO 81632
Friday, June 4
12:00-1:30 pm
Colorado Mountain College, Breckenridge Campus
Community Auditorium
107 Denison Placer Road
Breckenridge, CO 80424
Thank you,
Nissa Erickson
District Representative
Congressman Jared Polis
101 W. Main Street, Suite 101D
PO Box 1453
Frisco, CO 80443
Office: 970-668-3240
nissa.erickson@mail.house.gov"
Got to get the word out about these meetings and get as many snowmobilers to the meetings as possible.
It sucks but the future of snowmobiling in Summit and Eagle Counties is on the line.
HC
E-mail from Polis's rep
"Greetings,
We have finalized the Hidden Gems public meeting schedule for the Memorial Day/June recess. The formal press release will be going out later today.
At each meeting, we will have maps of individual areas outside the meeting area with feedback sheets and the public will have the option to walk around and take a look at the areas for the first 20 – 25 minutes. Then, we will request that people take their seats and we will have brief introductions of the invited panelists and an overview of how the Q&A/comment session will proceed.
We will then move to the public comment and question period where various panelists may answer questions and provide information as needed. I also anticipate having the capability to display various maps throughout the Q&A via a projector system. We will provide additional general feedback forms for those that may not want to ask their questions or provide comments during the session.
After we send out invites and receive confirmations, I will let you know who is able to attend each meeting.
The meeting schedule is as follows:
What: Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal Public Forum
Who: Congressman Polis and Community
Where/When:
Tuesday, June 1
5:30-7:00 pm
Boulder Public Library
Canyon Theater
1000 Canyon Boulevard
Boulder, CO 80302
Thursday, June 3
5:30-7:00 pm
Battle Mountain High School
Auditorium
151 Miller Ranch Road
Edwards, CO 81632
Friday, June 4
12:00-1:30 pm
Colorado Mountain College, Breckenridge Campus
Community Auditorium
107 Denison Placer Road
Breckenridge, CO 80424
Thank you,
Nissa Erickson
District Representative
Congressman Jared Polis
101 W. Main Street, Suite 101D
PO Box 1453
Frisco, CO 80443
Office: 970-668-3240
nissa.erickson@mail.house.gov"
H
Hillclimber
Active member
Link to Polis's Hidden Gems survey
http://polis.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=58530-4616304
Take a minute, it's only 4 questions.
http://polis.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=58530-4616304
Take a minute, it's only 4 questions.
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