A Resource Management Plan (RMP) guides the BLM’s decision-making on all resources under their jurisdiction (e.g., mining, drilling, grazing, etc.). 

This specific planning process is considering to what extent BLM opens lands within the field office to oil and gas development, as well as whether the agency will manage specific areas for wildlife habitat conservation and other special management needs, namely Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (LWC) and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The final Plan Amendment will guide oil and gas leasing, and other land management decisions, for the next 20-30 years.

Wilderness quality lands and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) are essential for biodiversity, clean water, and climate resilience. They provide critical habitat for wildlife, offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, and help to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The area impacted by this plan is rooted in sustainable agriculture and farming. These ways of life are dependent on clean water and healthy ecosystems. Additionally, the conservation of public lands boosts local economies by attracting visitors for outdoor recreation, supporting businesses rooted in tourism, and preserving the region’s natural heritage.

We are urging the BLM to:

• Update wilderness inventories to accurately identify Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (LWC) and manage those areas for protection of wilderness values.

• Designate areas as special values as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs), including those nominated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to protect big game habitat, and implement strong management protections for those areas.

• Close sensitive and valuable public lands to oil and gas development, including LWC, ACEC, recreation management areas, agricultural areas, critical water supplies, and other places with values that should be protected from industrial development.

Failure to protect these lands could lead to habitat loss, water quality degradation, and the loss of outdoor recreation opportunities. Additionally, it could exacerbate the impacts of climate change. All of these factors will likely result in negative impacts on the region’s economy and way of life, primarily agricultural resources.