Colorado lawmakers introduce bills to expand Rocky Mountain National Park with astronaut’s donation
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Astronaut Vance D. Brand of Longmont, Colorado has offered to donate 40 acres of land to the eastern boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park.
But first, the land transfer requires an Act of Congress. That's why Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet along with Rep. Joe Neguse introduced two pieces of legislation Tuesday, according to a release from Gardner's office.
The bills would allow Brand to donate the 40 acres and would also resolve a longstanding property issue regarding a local family's cabin within park boundaries, the release says.
Brand, who grew up in Colorado and spent many years appreciating the park, says in the release that he sees this donation as a way to giveback to the American people.
The release says that the 40-acre plot would provide recreational access and a scenic buffer between private lands and three popular park trails: Estes Cone, Storm Pass and Eugenia Mine Trails.
“Astronaut Vance D. Brand is not only an American hero, but also a Colorado hero. Born and raised in Longmont, Colorado, he spent many years at Rocky Mountain National Park, and now he graciously wants to donate 40 acres of land to expand the park where he spent many years of his life,” said Gardner in a statement. “However, the Park Service needs approval from Congress to change the park’s boundary. I’m incredibly grateful for his commitment to share more of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park area with the public, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to respect this hero’s wishes and make this donation official.”
Bennet likewise thanked Vance for his donation, and Congressman Neguse added that access to public lands is woven into the identity of Coloradans.
“Public lands are who we are as Coloradans, they drive our outdoor recreation economy and inspire our commitment to sustainability,” said Neguse in a statement. “I am proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Gardner and Senator Bennet to honor the desire of former Astronaut Vance D. Brand to convey 40 acres of land into the treasured Rocky Mountain National Park landscape."
