On June 28, the Bureau of Land Management released its Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Roan Plateau, a backcountry area prized as a fish and wildlife oasis and a cornerstone of the area’s recreation-based economy. While TU said it was still reviewing the document, the BLM plan appears to cancel the majority of oil and gas leases on top of the Roan Plateau, including all of those in the Trapper and Northwater Creek watersheds, areas that encompass the best cutthroat trout habitat on the Roan. The East Fork of Parachute Creek headwaters, recently reclaimed and restored for native cutthroat trout, would also remain undeveloped with leases canceled. The BLM’s proposed decision reflects the 2014 settlement reached between Bill Barrett Corporation—the lease holder—and conservation groups.

“This is another big step forward in years-long efforts to protect one of Colorado’s natural treasures,” said David Nickum, executive director of Colorado Trout Unlimited. “It shows that, working together, we can craft a management solution that provides lasting protections for the Roan’s most valuable fish and wildlife habitat, while allowing careful, responsible development of its energy reserves.”

The Roan is a Colorado last best place: its small streams hold rare populations of genetically pure Colorado River cutthroat trout—a species found in less than 10 percent of its historic range. Public lands on the plateau’s top and at its base provide key summer and winter range and migration corridors for large herds of mule deer and elk.

The surrounding landscape is also rich in energy resources and dotted with oil and gas development sites.

“Over the years, our members have invested thousands of dollars and many hundreds of volunteer hours into habitat and fisheries projects on the Roan,” said Ben Bloodworth, president of TU’s Grand Valley Anglers chapter. “It’s a very special place to Colorado sportsmen and women, and this BLM plan will help protect it for future generations to enjoy.”

The BLM release of the FEIS will be followed by a few more steps to secure final protections for the Roan. A 30-day public comment period for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and proposed plan begins July 1. After the comment period, the BLM is expected to issue its final Record of Decision.

TU has a long history of involvement with the Roan, beyond being party to the lawsuit and subsequent settlement that set the stage for the BLM's new EIS and plan.  TU projects on the Roan have included extensive fencing and riparian plantings along Trapper Creek, Northwater Creek, and parts of the East Fork Parachute Creek watershed; installation of a fish barrier on the East Fork which isolated the upper portion of the stream from downstream brook trout and allowed Colorado Parks and Wildlife to re-establish native cutthroat trout there; and physical habitat improvements on Trapper Creek to provide improved low-water holding habitat. Grand Valley Anglers volunteers have been involved with project work in the area for more than 20 years.