SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Apr. 18, 2012—Vail Resorts has joined conservation groups in supporting Senator Mark Udall and Congressman Jared Polis in their efforts to designate additional wilderness and special management areas in Eagle and Summit counties, home to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone. The areas under consideration for wilderness designation would provide enhanced levels of protection and management for up to 175,000 acres.

The proposed area includes wildlife habitat and community watersheds at Hoosier Ridge near Breckenridge and West Lake Creek outside of Edwards, near Beaver Creek.

“We are pleased to have Vail Resorts’ support,” said Elise Jones, executive director of the Colorado Environmental Coalition. “Business support for this initiative will be critical to its success.”

Colorado resort communities require a balance of “thoughtfully developed recreation opportunities … with the preservation of pristine wilderness areas,” said Beth Ganz, vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Vail Resorts. “We believe this proposal and the protections it will provide are critical for Colorado.”

VR’s support echoes that of elected officials, other businesses and residents.