The Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, also known as the CORE Act, which would preserve about 400,000 acres of public land in Colorado, was scheduled for a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives next week.

If approved, it would be the first statewide Colorado wilderness legislation to pass Congress in over a decade.

“I’m incredibly pleased with the momentum we have seen for this legislation, it is a true testament to Colorado’s commitment to investing in our treasured public lands and outdoor recreation economy,” Rep. Joe Neguse, who introduced the bill earlier this year along with Sen. Michael Bennet, wrote in a statement. “From Gunnison to Carbondale, to Eagle and Summit counties, and so many other communities across our state, Coloradans have been waiting for over 10 years for Congress to act to preserve the lands they love. I’m excited to lead on this legislation on the House floor that was written by Coloradans to conserve Colorado and look forward to next week’s floor proceedings.”

Specifically, the CORE Act will preserve 100,000 acres in White River National Forest and areas across the Continental Divide in Summit and Eagle counties, preserve 80,000 acres of new recreation and conservation management areas throughout the state, and prohibit future oil and gas development on over 200,000 acres in the Thompson Divide.

It would also create 73,000 acres of new wilderness areas by expanding the boundaries of Eagles Nest, Ptarmigan Peak, and Holy Cross wilderness areas, and creating entirely new wilderness areas around Telluride, Norwood, Ouray and Ridgway, as well as within the Tenmile Range, Hoosier Ridge and Williams Fork Mountains.

The first-ever National Historic Landscape also would be established to honor Colorado’s military legacy at Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division trained before fighting in Europe in World War II.

Within Rocky Mountain National Park, the CORE Act would remove the 15.5 acres surrounding the Trail River Ranch from being designated as potential wilderness area, allowing for its continued use as an event center accessible by motor vehicles.

By not restricting any motorized use or grazing, Bennet is confident the CORE Act will pass in the Senate should it get through the house.

“Coloradans spent the last decade hammering out compromises to develop reasonable public lands bills with broad support,” Bennet wrote in a statement soon after introducing the CORE Act in January. “The CORE Act combines the best of those proposals, reflecting their bold vision to boost our economy and protect our public lands for future generations. Because of this inclusive approach, the CORE Act creates new wilderness areas and preserves outdoor recreation opportunities, so Coloradans can continue to explore the outdoors. Colorado has waited too long for Congress to act on their earlier proposals, but the CORE Act presents a new opportunity to make real progress for our state.”