Locals want Quandary added to wilderness proposal

Local officials are considering a pitch to Sen. Mark Udall to include Quandary Peak in the Central Mountains Outdoor Heritage Proposal, a bill that would designate more than 200,000 acres in Summit, Eagle and Pitkin counties as protected wilderness.

“It's such a beautiful peak and such a well-used peak,” Breckenridge Mayor John Warner said. “We would sure like to see that area protected.”

Local officials, environmentalists and the mountain biking community are discussing the details of the Quandary plan.

The details of a companion designation to include the 14,265-foot mountain have not been formally presented to Udall.

Quandary's inclusion in the wilderness bill likely would not have any impact on hiking, mountain biking or skiing in the area, but might prohibit hiking with dogs on the peak, Warner said.

Breckenridge officials say the inclusion would complement town and Summit County government open space purchases in the same area.

Udall is also considering a proposal for a 20,000-acre wilderness area in Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River.

Maps and additional information on the plans are available at www.markudall.senate.gov.

Read more about the Quandary proposal at the Summit Daily website.