DENVER - Gov. Polis today submitted a consistency review of the proposed Uncompahgre Field Office Resource Management Plan (Plan) to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These comments voice concerns about the proposed Plan and identifies inconsistencies between the Plan and Colorado’s law, plans, programs, and policies.
“The Colorado way of life is dependent on our public lands and we intend to continue fighting to protect them,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Not only are they critical to our culture as a state, but they’re a driving force for our economy. This letter lays out concerns with the Plan including local input and we encourage the BLM to closely consider the inconsistencies that Colorado has identified.”
The letter highlights two key areas for the BLM to consider:
Recently enacted state legislation, including HB 19-1261, Climate Action Plan To Reduce Pollution and SB 19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil And Gas Operations.
Several of Colorado’s species management plans and agreements, including Big Game Habitat and Migration Corridors and Gunnison Sage-grouse Rangewide Conservation Plan.
“Protecting Colorado’s wildlife and environment is a core value of Coloradans and a key mission of the Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. As we outlined in our protest letter and stated in the Governor’s consistency review, we are concerned that the Plan released by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) does not adequately protect important wildlife corridors nor safeguard the Gunnison sage-grouse, a threatened species,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “We appreciate the recent steps the BLM has taken to work with the State on big game wildlife corridors and would like to see similar measures taken in this BLM plan, in addition to on the ground protections for the Gunnison sage-grouse.”
“What happens to our federal lands affects all of us. It’s absolutely critical that we retain the ability to pursue strict requirements to reduce pollution on federal lands. These requirements must align with our evolving and robust state standards as we defend ourselves against climate change,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Read the Governor’s letter here.
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