
Conservation Lands Foundation Celebrates New Resource Management Plans for Colorado River Valley and Grand Junction
Plan will guide future land-management decisions for public lands in western Colorado
Grand Junction, CO — The Conservation Lands Foundation (CLF) welcomes the release of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final Records of Decision for the Colorado River Valley and Grand Junction Resource Management Plans, covering two million acres of public lands in western Colorado. These plans mark a forward step in the conservation of sensitive habitats, cultural sites and wilderness-quality landscapes.
The new plans include increased protections for Areas of Critical Environmental Concern and other vital landscapes, including Grand Hogback and Castle Peak. However, while these plans include important conservation gains, they leave some sensitive landscapes open to future oil and gas development.
“We’re encouraged by the progress the Bureau of Land Management has made in these plans, which protect some of Colorado's most important natural and cultural resources," said Ben Katz, Colorado-based Associate Program Director at the Conservation Lands Foundation. "From safeguarding wildlife habitats to preserving access to recreational opportunities, these decisions reflect important steps in the right direction.
“However, we still see opportunities for the agency to strengthen its management of public lands in Colorado and nationwide, particularly in how these landscapes can help address climate change. The Conservation Lands Foundation remains committed to advocating for the long-term protection of public lands and ensuring that future management decisions prioritize both conservation and climate action."
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Conservation Lands Foundation published this page in Latest News 2024-10-21 14:29:20 -0600