Legislation aims to protect Front Range mountain backdrop

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation sponsored by Congressman Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs) that studies ways to protect the scenic Front Range mountain backdrop in the northern Denver-metro area and the region just west of the Rocky Flats.

The Colorado lawmaker said that increased growth is putting pressure on communities and their economic well being, and that a study is necessary to protect our quality of life.

"The open-space character of the mountain backdrop is an important esthetic and economic asset for adjoining communities, making them attractive locations for homes and businesses. We need to work to maintain the mountain backdrop as a cultural and natural heritage for ourselves and generations to come. This bill is intended to assist in that effort, and I'm pleased that the House has approved the bill. I hope the Senate will act on it soon," said Udall.

Udall's bill, H.R. 903, the Northern Front Range Mountain Backdrop Protection Study Act, requires the Forest Service to study the ownership patterns of the lands comprising the Front Range Mountain Backdrop in a region generally west of Rocky Flats, identify areas that are open and may be at risk of development, and recommend to Congress how these lands might be protected and how the federal government could help local communities and residents to achieve that goal. The bill does not interfere with the authority of local authorities regarding land use planning and it does not infringe on private property rights.

The House passed similar legislation in September 2006. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

Lawrence Pacheco is the press secretary for Mark Udall.