BLM issues decision for Uncompahgre Field Office Resource Management Plan
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MONTROSE, Colo. – Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today released the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Uncompahgre Field Office Resource Management Plan (RMP). The plan responds to the needs of local communities by promoting access to public lands, sustainable energy development, economic growth and conservation stewardship.
“The BLM is excited to implement the RMP and move forward in a way that balances use, resources and conservation stewardship,” said Greg Larson, Uncompahgre Field Manager. “Our partners and stakeholders were integral in this effort, and the BLM will continue to work hand in hand with them to support local economies while maintaining the quality of life and recreational opportunities we all enjoy.”
Coordination with the State of Colorado through the Governor’s consistency review was completed in January 2020.
"We appreciate the productive dialogue with BLM, and the recent changes made to the Uncompahgre Field Office Resource Management Plan to allow state wildlife managers the opportunity to provide input into mitigating the impacts of oil and gas development on sensitive habitat for elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep, as well as the inclusion of No Surface Occupancy protections for just under 33,000 acres of critical water and riparian resources, especially in the North Fork Valley in Delta and Gunnison counties near Paonia," said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. "We also appreciate the BLM's commitment to undertake a future statewide planning effort to address related concerns with the density of development in sensitive big game habitat on BLM lands, which will bolster conditions for herds across the state. Public lands contribute immensely to the quality of life and economy in Colorado, and we’ll continue to closely work with BLM and other key stakeholders to improve land management."
The plan updates and combines the 1985 San Juan/San Miguel RMP and the 1989 Uncompahgre Basin RMP, guiding public land use on approximately 675,800 acres of BLM-managed surface lands, and 971,220 acres of federal mineral estate in southwest Colorado. It incorporates a balanced level of protection, restoration, enhancement, and use of resources to meet natural resource management objectives and the needs of local communities. An estimated 950 jobs and $2.5 billion in regional economic production could be generated annually from these public lands, including recreation, agriculture, and energy development.
The ROD, RMP and associated documents are available online at https://go.usa.gov/xnpgD.
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.