The 488-acre purchase of one of Colorado’s largest natural lakes means the water and surrounding terrain will fall under federal protection thanks in part to the Great American Outdoors Act, which the Senate passed on June 17. Once approved by the House of Representatives, the legislation will fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund for conservation projects such as Sweetwater Lake. “The outdoor recreation industry has grown exponentially in recent years, accounting for more than three percent of our state’s economy,” said Colorado 3rd District Representative Scott Tipton. “We anticipate and welcome continued growth in the industry, and this expansion of Sweetwater Lake will certainly help meet the demand for greater access to one of our most visited National Forests.” According to the Conservation Fund, the White River National Forest attracts around 13.5 million visitors a year and supports nearly 25,000 jobs.
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