The BLM’s Colorado River Valley Field Office (CRVFO) recently released its Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Resource Management Plan Amendment for the Roan Plateau. Colorado Trout Unlimited, along with national TU, has invested hundreds of hours and almost a quarter of a million dollars in the protection of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (CRCT) in Trapper Creek, Northwater Creek, East Middle Fork of Parachute Creek (below the confluence of Trapper and Northwater Creeks) and the East Fork on the top of the Plateau.

You have probably heard about TU’s efforts to support responsible energy development. On the Roan, we are seeking a balanced solution that protects TU’s interests and the native trout that call streams there home.

We ask that our members help us spread the word and submit comments (by March 30^th) to influence the BLM into developing a plan that is most protective of TU’s and Sportsmen’s interests on the Roan Plateau.

Key points to include in your comments:

1. New roads, well pads and pipelines should not be constructed in cutthroat trout drainages on top of the Roan;
2. Undisturbed big game winter range at the base of the plateau should not be developed;
3. Big game migration corridors need to remain intact and undisturbed by drilling and development; and,
4. Where drilling is allowed, it should be done using state of the art practices (such as directional drilling and water and advanced waste management technologies) that will protect sensitive trout and wildlife habitat at the top, along the sides and at the base of the plateau.
5. To protect sensitive resources including trout and wildlife habitat, the BLM should retain the option of lease cancelation.

Submit Comments to: 

roanplateau@blm.gov

Attn: Roan Plateau Comments

For additional information please contact:

Bob Meulengracht

Coordinator Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development – Colorado

Trout Unlimited

303-232-3909 (W) or 303-514-8227 (C)

rmeulengracht@tu.org