Colorado Roadless Reform

Earlier today the U.S. Forest Service released its final revision of the Colorado roadless rule, addressing some key concerns raised by the outdoors community. The plan will manage and help safeguard more than 4 million acres of in-state public hunting and fishing lands.

Via the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership:

“Today’s announcement moves us one step closer to a Colorado roadless rule that will direct the management of backcountry lands in the state,” said TRCP Colorado Field Representative Nick Payne. “Sportsmen applaud the rule’s stronger safeguards for world-class hunting and fishing destinations in upper-tier lands such as Sugarloaf in the Routt National Forest and Hermosa in the San Juan National Forest. But rest assured: we will remain involved to address our remaining concerns with the rule, such as language allowing linear construction zones in upper tier lands to develop water projects and existing oil and gas leases that were issued with questionable stipulations.”

The FEIS released today addresses some key concerns raised previously by members of the sportsmen’s community, including allowances for power line corridors and inappropriate citing for energy development in upper tier lands. Sportsmen were quick to acknowledge these improvements to the rule while reiterating their commitment to remain closely involved in rectifying its remaining shortfalls.

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