For Immediate Release:     April 1, 2008

Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097

Public comment period opens on natural gas exploration proposals

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Black Hills Exploration and Production, Inc. has proposed drilling seven natural gas exploration wells on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office. Public comments are being sought on the proposals, which involve three different areas in northern Mesa County near the town of De Beque.

"Before BLM completes Environmental Assessments for each of these proposals, we want to hear from the public up front on specific issues and concerns they might have," said Field Manager Catherine Robertson.

Two proposed wells are in the Homer Deep Field south of Dry Fork Road, about 6 miles northwest of De Beque; three proposed wells are in the Horseshoe Canyon Unit west of the De Beque Cutoff road; and two proposed wells are in the Winter Flats Unit, about 14 miles west of De Beque.

Detailed descriptions and maps of each proposed exploration well are available at the BLM Grand Junction Office, at 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, Colorado 81506, as well as online at

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www.blm.gov/co (select Grand Junction on the interactive map). Comments may be mailed to the above address or e-mailed to GJFO_webmail@blm.gov, and should be submitted by April 30, 2008. For more information, contact Julia Christiansen at (970) 244-3093.