Denver — Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet announced that he will explore the Dolores River on a three-day trip with fellow Coloradans this weekend. Bennet will bring together county commissioners, Tribal members, conservationists, ranchers, small business owners, and recreationists to learn more about the challenges and opportunities the River and its surrounding communities face. In March, Bennet reintroduced his Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act, which would protect over 68,000 acres of public lands in Southwest Colorado. 

“For the people of Southwest Colorado, the Dolores River is more than just a landmark – it's the lifeblood of their communities and way of life. We need to protect the river to provide long-term certainty for our state and for future generations,” said Bennet. “I look forward to hearing from Coloradans who live, work, and depend on the Dolores River during my trip, and to taking in the world-renowned beauty of this majestic river.”

On Wednesday, Bennet and Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to request a hearing on their bill, which received a hearing last Congress. 

The bill is supported by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; Montezuma, San Miguel, Dolores Archuleta, and La Plata Counties; the city of Cortez; the towns of Dove Creek, Norwood, and Dolores; Dolores River Boating Advocates; The Wilderness Society; American Rivers; Conservation Lands Foundation; American Whitewater; San Juan Citizens Alliance; Conservation Colorado; Sheep Mountain Alliance; The Nature Conservancy; Conservation Alliance; Outdoor Alliance; Outdoor Industry Association; Jagged Edge Mountain Gear; Trout Unlimited; San Miguel Watershed Coalition; Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Colorado; Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; and the Southwestern Water Conservation District.