Little Snake Resource Management Plan (BLM)
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Issue
Colorado Wildlife Federation has commented throughout the process of the BLM's development of its draft Little Snake Resource Management Plan (RMP) [northwest Colorado].The draft plan was released in 2007. BLM is working on a Proposed RMP.In conjunction with other groups, CWF met with BLM last month to emphasize that as 2/3 of male greater sage grouse are found in the Little Snake area, it is essential that the latest science be applied to protect this population.
We are not asking you to take any action at this time. We are awaiting revisions to the draft plan by the BLM.
Background
The BLM's Little Snake Field Office manages the largest greater sage grouse population in Colorado. 2/3 of the male grouse live in this area. The latest science research has shown that sage grouse are extremely sensitive to gas development and other surface-disturbing activities. The 2007 draft plan does not reflect this latest science. It is important that updated, peer-reviewed research be applied in establishing buffer area protections for the sage grouse. CWFdoes NOT oppose gas drilling and production but strongly believes that it must be planned and conducted in a manner that does not jeopardize such wildlife. The new oil and gas rules adopted by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission provide greater minimum protections for sage grouse through provisions that create a consult process for drilling in "senstive wildlife habitat."
In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wldlife Service will issue a new status review and make a finding on potential listing of the sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act in or before February 2010.Recent litigation rejected the US. Fish and Wildlife Service's initial finding that a listing was not merited.
We are not asking you to take any action at this time. When action is needed, we will provide additional information and a request.
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