In light of the U.S. Forest Service’s clarification of its plans to require permits for filming and photography in designated wilderness areas, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet pledged to closely monitor the agency’s final ruling to ensure it respects access to public lands and adheres to the constitutional rights of Americans.

“We all must be responsible stewards of our wilderness areas to ensure that they are protected for future generations,” Bennet, chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, said. “We also have a responsibility to ensure that our efforts to protect wilderness do not place undue burdens on or limit the constitutional rights of folks trying to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories.

“Any change to Forest Service policy, regarding photography or otherwise, should involve Coloradans from the start,” Bennet added. “We appreciate the Forest Service’s efforts to clarify the scope of its photo policy and will be watching closely to ensure any final directive respects First Amendment rights and recognizes the importance of access to our public lands.”

The Denver Post published an editorial this week calling the permit plan “constitutionally dubious, gratuitous, and nearly unenforceable on any fair and consistent basis.”