A bill aiming to expand the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area is headed to the U.S. Senate floor after passing through the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The current 44,556-acre wilderness area was created through the federal Sarvis Creek Wilderness Act in 1993.

The legislation, introduced by Sen. John Hickenlooper and Sen. Michael Bennet, would add 6,817 acres to the wilderness that was excluded from federal forest area’s 1993 creation due a previously proposed plan to develop a ski area.

What was to be called the Catamount Ski Area ultimately fizzled in the late 1990s before losing steam completely by 1999.

The proposed expansion of the wilderness land to include the once-imagined ski area would include extend federal land protection to the Harrison and Green Creek watersheds and protect winter range and spring calving areas for 250-300 elk that inhabit the area and would enhance habitats for native Colorado fish and other wildlife.

Sarvis Creek is one of 42 wilderness areas in Colorado and one of three that are easily accessed from Steamboat Springs. There are around 110 million acres of federally designated wilderness in the U.S., roughly equivalent to 5% of land in the country.

Speaking on background, a spokesperson for Hickenlooper’s office said passage of the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act bill by year-end would likely see it rolled into a larger legislative package before going to a full vote. But as legislators all push to get their bills to a vote, it is not clear if a vote on the Sarvis Creek area will come before the end of December.

The legislation is supported by local government and conservation organizations including the towns of Yampa, Hayden and Oak Creek; Routt County and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe; along with Keep Routt Wild, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Conservation Colorado.

“We have actively engaged with community members, local governments, and conservation advocates on this proposal, and have incorporated their input in developing the boundaries and language for this wilderness expansion,” said Hickenlooper in a statement.

“The bill includes language recognizing continued access for Tribes for traditional, religious and cultural purposes. It also acknowledges that the Secretary of Agriculture may continue to carry out activities to control fire, insects, and disease within the expansion area,” he added.

A statement released by Hickenlooper’s office also noted support for the bill from U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse and Gov. Jared Polis.

“The expansion of Sarvis Creek expands outdoor opportunities for Coloradans, protects important wildlife habitat, and safeguards important water resources in our Western Slope. This is important for future generations, and I appreciate Sen. Hickenlooper’s leadership on this issue,” Polis said in a statement.