Press Release - Dec 20, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, DEC. 20, 2007
CONTACTS
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
Deb Frazier, 303.866.5887, deb.frazier@state.co.us
STATE, FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS TO CONTINUE ROAN PLATEAU DISCUSSIONS
Gov. Bill Ritter announced today that his administration and the U.S. Department of the Interior are engaged in productive discussions about the future of the Roan Plateau and will continue the dialogue over the coming weeks.
"We are making steady progress on what I believe is a uniquely Colorado solution - a solution that strikes an important balance and will benefit our environment, economy, communities and energy industry," Gov. Ritter said. "I'm pleased that Interior is working with us in reviewing the environmental, economic and technical issues pertaining to the Roan. I look forward to continuing these discussions to reach a mutually agreeable means of developing the energy resources on the Roan while also serving as responsible stewards of Colorado's future.
"The Roan Plateau is a very special place, and we have only one chance to get it right," Gov. Ritter said. "The state and federal governments owe it to present and future generations to do everything we can to accomplish our goals."
Gov. Ritter said he hopes to achieve several objectives during the ongoing conversations, including:
Protection critical fish and wildlife habitatby expanding the size of wildlife-protection zones, known as "Areas of Critical Environmental Concern," on the Roan. Toward that end, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources submitted a five-page letter today to the Bureau of Land Management seeking to expand the ACECs (click here to read letter) .
Exploring the concept of phased or incremental leasing to increase state revenues, better protect the environment and properly pace future development;
Achieving sustainable economic prosperity for local communities and industry;
Exploring a possible amendment to the 1997 federal Transfer Act to ensure that the state receives bonus payments from future leasing on the Roan; and
Incorporating state-of-the-art technology to minimize environmental disturbance.
"During this period of discussions with the Interior Department, we will continue to actively engage all those with a stake in the future of the Roan Plateau," Gov. Ritter said. "This will include local officials and community leaders, energy industry representatives, conservationists, sportsmen, state lawmakers and members of Colorado's congressional delegation."
Facts about the Roan Plateau
What is the Roan Plateau?
What's happening today on the Roan Plateau?
What is the federal government's current plan for leasing on the Roan?
Geography of the Roan Plateau
Four "Areas of Critical Environmental Concern' are home to wildlife such as genetically pure strains of the Colorado River cutthroat trout, bald and golden eagles, deer, elk, puma, black bear, peregrine falcon and sage grouse
The four areas total 21,032 acres:
Anvil Points - 4,955 acres
East Fork of Parachute Creek - 6,571 acres
Magpie - 4,696 acres
Trapper/Northwater - 4,810 acres