Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet heard from the Gunnison community today on proposals to protect local public lands.

Crested Butte Mayor Aaron Huckstep, Gunnison Mayor Jonathan Houck, Gunnison County Commissioners and representatives from the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management attended the event at Oh Be Joyful campground, which served to launch an ongoing conversation about the proposals that will also continue on Bennet’s website.  Bennet will use the feedback he receives to craft a bill that puts in place a plan to manage Gunnison’s public lands. 

“Any conversation about managing Gunnison County public lands must begin with the voices of the local community—those who live here, who know the land and whose economic future depends on these areas,” Bennet said. “With input from Coloradans deeply connected to area, I hope to protect some of Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes, while sustaining a source of economic growth and job creation in the community for generations.  I encourage any and all comments and look forward to a robust conversation on the best path forward for Gunnison County.”

The event follows work led by local residents to protect public lands in Gunnison County. Bennet has since laid the groundwork to begin a formal process that includes feedback from a wide range of members of the community to  craft a proposal for Gunnison County.

Local residents and organizations can submit their thoughts, ideas and comments on the long term management of public lands in Gunnison County at https://www.bennet.senate.gov/gunnisonpubliclands.