(Denver) - The Colorado Department of Natural Resources expresses its appreciation on the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) completion of multiple federal land management plans.
The BLM Colorado State Office, working closely with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR), recently finalized multi-year planning efforts critical to protecting wildlife and public lands, including the Big Game Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA), Gunnison Sage-Grouse RMPA, and a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Grand Junction Field Office and Colorado River Valley Field Office Resource Management Plans (RMP).
“Managing the state's valuable natural resources and diverse wildlife requires interagency collaboration and strong interagency relationships,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “We appreciate the work of BLM Colorado State Office staff in coordinating the efforts needed to develop these plans with the state which are reflective of DNR’s strategic priorities to promote conservation of important habitats, improve biodiversity, enhance recreation and guide the state’s transition to renewable energy.”
About the BLM Plans:
The Big Game RMPA focuses on the oil and gas program decisions in existing BLM Colorado resource management plans to promote conservation of big game High Priority Habitat in Colorado. DNR feels that the plans align well with state regulations which promotes consistency across agencies in terms of oil and gas management with wildlife conservation.
The Gunnison Sage-Grouse RMPA provides a framework to conserve and enhance habitat for the Gunnison sage-grouse in all BLM land use plans in southwest Colorado and southeast Utah. The BLM manages a large portion of Gunnison sage-grouse habitat and the DNR appreciates the hard work of BLM staff and their dedication to using best available science to guide their decision making and land management planning. Managing biodiversity is a significant priority for the State of Colorado and we look forward to working with BLM staff to implement the plan.
The Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Resource Management Plans (RMP) for the Colorado River Valley Field Office and Grand Junction Field Office balance energy development while also protecting areas that have high value fish and wildlife habitat. DNR appreciates the BLM’s proactive approach to designate and conserve areas of special environmental concern within the planning area, especially by expanding the boundary of the Castle Peak Wilderness Study Area. These new designations will ensure wilderness quality lands are conserved for current and future generations.
For more information on these plans please see BLM Colorado's press release.