On May 2, the Bureau of Land Management announced the deferral of all parcels in the North Fork Valley associated with the August 2012 oil and gas lease sale (UFO NEPA #12-09). The environmental assessment evaluated approximately 30,000 acres within 22 parcels located near Paonia, Hotchkiss, Somerset, and Crawford, Colorado. About 900 acres are private surface, while the remainder are federal surface lands. The BLM has opted to conduct additional analysis of the proposed parcels based on public input. Please direct questions regarding this proposal to Public Affairs Specialist Shannon Borders at 970-240-5399. To learn more about oil and gas leasing on federal lands, visit http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/oilandgas.html |