BLM Colorado's Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) contain more than 548,000 acres in 10 of our field offices. These WSAs were established through the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, which directed the bureau to inventory and study its roadless areas for wilderness characteristics. Until Congress makes a final determination on a WSA, the BLM manages these areas to preserve their suitability for designation as wilderness. 

© John Fielder