Public lands policy and energy development are drawing renewed attention in western Colorado following a proposed federal lease sale and growing public concern about environmental issues.
Public lands management and energy development proposals are drawing renewed attention across western Colorado following a federal proposal to lease large areas of land for oil and gas development.
The Bureau of Land Management recently released plans for a potential lease sale that could open about 160,000 acres of public land in Colorado to oil and gas leasing.
The proposal has prompted discussions across the region about public lands management, energy development, and environmental protections.
Several community workshops are being organized to help residents understand the proposal and participate in the federal public comment process. Learn more here.
The discussion comes as new data from the Colorado College State of the Rockies Poll highlights strong public concern about environmental issues statewide.
According to the poll:
Public lands policy remains a major issue in western Colorado, where recreation, tourism, conservation, and energy development often intersect.
Water access is another issue drawing local attention.
An upcoming screening in Grand Junction explores the history of the Colorado Riverfront Project, which helped transform portions of the Colorado River corridor into public recreation areas.
The event will ongoing conversations about river access, conservation, and recreation across the region.he screening starts at 1 pm and will be followed by discussion and refreshments. There's no admission charge. This event is hosted by Western Colorado Alliance and Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley. More information is available on Facebook.
