BLM’s Draft Resource Management Plan does not protect critical wildlife habitat, high quality wilderness areas and outdoor recreation areas!
Speak up for more protection at
BLM's public meeting in Colorado Springs(7/22) or Greeley (7/23)
your comments can shift the balance toward management that better protects wildlife, wilderness lands, areas of rich biodiversity, as well as human health and well-being.
BLM’s “Preferred” Alternative D drastically reduces earlier proposed protections. Alternative B, Emphasis on Natural Processes, “would focus on proactive conservation and restoration of ecoregion components...
How things have changed during the planning period:
Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (LWCs)
190,000 acres identified by BLM
24,100 acres proposed in 2017 Preliminary Alternative
1,300 acres proposed in 2019 Draft RMP
This map tells that story. Virtually all of the purple LWCs are gone from the Draft.
Areas of Environmental Concern (ACECs)
79,108 acres currently managed by BLM
106,800 acres proposed in 2017 Preliminary Alternative
46,000 acres proposed in 2019 Draft RMP
Backcountry Conservation Areas (BCAs)
122,500 acres proposed in 2017 Preliminary Alternative
0 acres proposed in 2019 Draft RMP
Oil and Gas Development
85% of BLM surface ownership has no or low potential for development
98% of the planning area designated open in 2019 Draft RMP
please ask for more protection of wild areas at BLM's public meetings!
July 22, Colorado Springs 5:30-7:30 pm (Westside Community Center, 1628 W. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904)
July 23, Greeley 5:30-7:30 pm (Greeley Recreation Center, Room 101 ABC, 651 10th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631)
The final plan will guide the use of resources across the region, including oil and gas development, road building, livestock, wildlife, water, cultural resources, recreation areas, and conservation areas.
In addition to the public meetings, comments can be sent by mail to 3028 E. Main St., Cañon City, CO or via BLM's e-planning.blm.gov website (follow the instructions to get to the comment location).
BLM’s preferred alternative (Alternative D) fails to conserve the area’s wildest lands and natural resources.
These lands provide wildlife habitat for big game and other species, outdoor recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, camping and fishing, and support healthy ecosystems that can help species persist in a changing climate.
Your comments in favor of adequate protection are needed. Go to a public meeting or send them by mail or on BLM's ECORMP web page.
he public meetings are almost over. But you have two months to learn more and submit your comments. Wild Connections and the regional Coalition are analyzing the draft plan and writing talking points. We’ll share those with you on our web pages and through social media.
Rep. DeGette presented her case for HB 2546, noting that it was created through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers mapping the areas, meetings with stakeholders, and adjustments to include the best of Wilderness quality lands. She also emphasized the economic benefits to local communities. Rep. Joe Neguse, who is a co-sponsor, also spoke briefly.
Steve Bonowski representing Colorado Mountain Club Foundation and Commissioner Keenan Ertel from Montezuma County spoke and answered questions.
The hearing can be seen here. Several other Wilderness bills were presented. Rep. DeGette’s statement begins at 37:00 minutes. Download the bill as a pdf file here.
Grape Creek Wilderness Study Area, photo Wild Connections. Click to enlarge.
The discussion focused on western Colorado where most of the proposed areas are located. However, Badger Creek, Beaver Creek, Grape Creek, Browns Canyon, and Table Mountain, located in the Arkansas Canyon are a part of this effort to protect the best of Colorado’s low elevation wildlands.
McIntyre Hills, Photo Kate Spinelli. Click to enlarge
Support the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act!
Click the photo for more info on The CORE Act
Colorado US Senator Michael Bennet and Congressman Joe Neguse recently introduced the Colorado Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act!
The CORE Act unites 4 previously introduce bill and will protect nearly 400,000 acres of Colorado public lands, including establishing 73,000 acres of new wilderness areas!
This Act unites and improves 4 previously introduced bills: The Continental Divide Recreation, Wilderness and Camp Hale Legacy Act, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act, the Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Act, and the Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary Establishment Act.
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