RMPA Scoping Petition - Western Slope Conservation Center

Sign the petition below to ask the BLM to protect the North Fork Valley. Scroll to the bottom to add your name!

Angela Losasso
Bureau of Land Management
2505 S Townsend Avenue
Montrose, CO 81401

Subject: Petition for the Strongest Possible Protections for Landscapes in the Uncompahgre Resource Management Plan Amendment

Dear Ms. Losasso,

We, community members in the North Fork Valley, come together to express our deep concern about the potential impacts of oil and gas development on our community’s environment, economy, and overall well-being. Recognizing the crucial role the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plays in balancing resource development with environmental conservation, we respectfully request the strongest possible protections for our region.

The North Fork Valley is a unique and irreplaceable community known for its agricultural heritage, pristine landscapes, and vibrant local economy. As community members, we understand the delicate balance between responsible resource management and the preservation of our natural and cultural assets. Therefore, we urge the BLM to prioritize the following considerations in its decision-making process:

– Clean and dependable water supplies: Protecting clean water in the Uncompahgre Resource Management Plan Amendment is essential to safeguard the delicate balance of ecosystems, sustain wildlife habitats, and ensure the well-being of local communities, as clean water is a fundamental resource vital for both environmental health and human prosperity.
– Agriculture and economy: Preserving agriculture in the Uncompahgre Resource Management Plan Amendment is crucial for sustaining the region’s cultural heritage, supporting local economies, and fostering a resilient and diverse landscape, as agriculture plays a fundamental role in both the livelihoods of communities and the overall health of the Western Slope.
– Community: Ensuring the protection of towns, schools, and community spaces from oil and gas impacts and development in the Uncompahgre Resource Management Plan Amendment is vital for maintaining the social fabric and quality of life on the Western Slope, fostering vibrant, resilient communities that are integral to the region’s identity and sustainable development.
– River areas and riparian corridors: Preserving river areas and riparian corridors in the Uncompahgre Resource Management Plan Amendment is critical for safeguarding biodiversity, maintaining water quality, and supporting ecosystem resilience, as these vital habitats serve as essential corridors for wildlife migration and contribute to the overall health of the region’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
– Wildlife: Protecting wildlife in the Uncompahgre Resource Management Plan Amendment from oil and gas development is essential to maintain ecological balance, preserve biodiversity, and to the overall health of the Western Slope’s ecosystems, ensuring the sustained beauty and natural heritage for current and future generations.

In addition to the above, we strongly support the designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) to protect significant cultural and ecological resources within the Uncompahgre Field Office, primarily the Elephant Hills ACEC, the Adobe Badlands ACEC, the Robideau-Potter-Monitor ACEC, the Dolores River ACEC, and the Shavano Tabeguache ACEC. These designations will provide an added layer of protection to sensitive areas and ensure that the unique values of our region are preserved for future generations.

We appreciate the BLM’s commitment to responsible land management and environmental stewardship. As residents, visitors, and stakeholders in the North Fork Valley, we believe that a balanced approach that prioritizes environmental conservation and community well-being will lead to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your support in safeguarding the North Fork Valley and the greater Western Slope.

Sincerely,

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