Public comment on Roan Plateau draft RMP/EIS
extended to April 11, 2005

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO—The Bureau of Land Management has extended the deadline for public comment on the draft Roan Plateau Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) to April 11, 2005. The previous deadline had been March 4.

“Together with our cooperators we have decided to extend the public comment period to ensure that the public has ample opportunity to provide input on the Roan Plateau,” said BLM Glenwood Springs Field Manager Jamie Connell. Cooperators include Rio Blanco and Garfield counties, the towns of Parachute and Rifle, and the State of Colorado.

The 73,602-acre area formerly known as the Naval Oil Shale Reserve is a popular destination for local recreation and contains some of Colorado’s richest natural gas resources. Approximately half of the Roan Plateau consists of highlands located above dramatic cliffs that provide a scenic backdrop to I-70. The remainder of the area consists of lower elevations where natural gas leasing and production is already underway. The area contains 257 miles of motorized routes.

Under Alternative 3, the agency preferred, the BLM would defer leasing on top of the plateau until 80 percent of anticipated wells below the cliffs have been completed. Under this alternative, the Roan Plateau could produce enough gas to heat 761,000 homes for 20 years while protecting natural resources.

Public comments should provide specific information about the plan to help inform the BLM’s decision-making process. Copies of the Draft Roan Plateau RMP/EIS and information on providing public input are available in the Glenwood Springs Field Office, 50629 Hwy 6 & 24, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 or online at www.roanplateau.ene.com.

-BLM-