Conservation & Environment
Protecting our state's natural resources and wild landscapes is critical to ensuring that Colorado remains one of the best places to live and work.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Michael has worked to secure resources to conserve more of Colorado's open spaces. He fought for the designation of Chimney Rock in southwestern Colorado as a national monument and has led efforts to preserve the Hermosa Creek Watershed in southwest Colorado and the Thompson Divide area on the western slope.
As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry and Natural Resources, Michael led the work to make sure that the streamlined conservation title was improved for Colorado's farmers, ranchers, and environmental community.
Preserving our land, water, and air is critical to protecting our Western heritage and ensuring that Colorado's high quality of life continue to attract tourists and businesses alike.
- Michael successfully persuaded President Obama to declare Chimney Rock a national monument, which is expected to bring an additional $1.2 million annually to the area. Over 130 local businesses in Durango and Pagosa Springs joined a bipartisan group of community leaders to support the designation.
- Michael led the fight to pass the bipartisan Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act through Congress, a bill that would protect more than 100,000 acres of pristine national forest land near Durango.