DENVER (AP) -- Conservationists trying to designate nearly 400,000 acres of public land in central Colorado as wilderness areas are still whittling down the plan after opposition from recreationists and the Colorado Army National Guard.
Four years ago, the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign's proposal included about 650,000 acres, and it could continue to shrink.
A wilderness classification would allow for non-motorized recreation, livestock grazing and scientific research. But it would forbid mineral development, logging and vehicles like ATVs and mountain bikes.
The military complained about the proposal because some of the land is used for aviation training. They say the terrain is similar to that of Afghanistan, so it is especially important.
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