Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse, reintroduced the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act. This legislation will expand the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area in the Rott National Forest by 6,817 acres and protect subalpine forest, wildlife habitat, and access to outdoor recreation.
“Colorado’s public lands are the cornerstone of our Western way of life, and for decades, this Northwest Colorado landscape has deserved further protection,” said Bennet. “Local elected officials and outdoor recreation, agriculture, water, and environmental leaders came together to craft this bill that protects critical watersheds, enhances wildlife habitat, and safeguards outdoor exploration for Coloradans. I look forward to getting this important legislation across the finish line for our state.”
“Coloradans love the Sarvis Creek Wilderness,” said Hickenlooper. “It’s home to stunning landscapes, recreation opportunities, and wildlife. Let’s expand and protect it.”
“I’m proud to join Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet in reintroducing legislation that would expand the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area in the Routt National Forest by more than 6,000 acres, advancing the preservation of our public lands, protecting local wildlife, and providing increased access to outdoor recreation,” said Neguse.
Specifically, this legislation will:
- Fulfill the community’s vision for the entire Sarvis Creek wilderness area by adding 6,817 acres to the existing 44,556 acres, which were originally excluded due to a previous plan to develop a ski area;
- Extend wilderness protection to the Harrison and Green Creek watersheds—rare, pristine subalpine regions that feed into the Yampa River, safeguarding aquatic resources and preserving water quality;
- Protect winter range and spring calving areas for elk that inhabit the area, in addition to habitat for other native Colorado wildlife and fish species; and
- Provide easy public access from Steamboat Springs and Stagecoach for low-impact recreation—including hunting, fishing, backcountry skiing, and hiking.
Bennet previously introduced the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act in 2024.
The text of the bill is available HERE.