GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO (May 3, 2007) - A coalition of conservation groups urge the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to protect wilderness-quality lands in the Glenwood Springs and Kremmling Field Office, located in northwestern Colorado. BLM is currently seeking public input on revision of two Resource Management Plans (RMP) that will determine the management of over 1 million acres of public land in portions of Grand, Eagle, Jackson, Larimer, Summit, Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties.  Among the areas proposed for protection are the Grand Hogback's sandstone treasures north of Rifle, Castle Peak's popular big-game hunting area northwest of Wolcott, and other areas which provide secluded hiking and backpacking such as Pisgah Mountain near McCoy. 

A steady increase in oil and gas leasing throughout the region since 2000, coupled with the exploding recreation pressures from rapid urbanization and increased off-road vehicle use in the area has resulted in unprecedented pressures on public lands including destruction of riparian areas, increased air pollution, water degradation, and damage to important wildlife habitat.  Under BLM's plan, pristine wildlands, such as the unique rock fins of Thompson Creek, and Deep Creek's rugged limestone canyons and caves, face uncertain futures.

"The BLM needs to follow through with its obligation to protect the priceless natural resources, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and untrammeled beauty of our public lands for the next 20 years," said Heath Nero of The Wilderness Society. "The upcoming planning process gives the BLM a chance to develop management plans which will conserve the incredible landscapes of the Glenwood Springs and Kremmling Resource Areas and protect the recreational opportunities and quality of life for those living in the area." 

Also at risk is a portion of the magnificent Grand Hogback from Rifle Gap to Piceance Creek Road, in Garfield County.  Popular for its 360-degree vistas and the popular Rifle Arch, this stunning geologic feature composed of 6,000-foot thick sandstone houses crucial habitat for elk, red tail hawks, golden eagles, and the rare Wetherill's milkvetch plant species. Because of these amazing wilderness characteristics, nearly all of the proposed Grand Hogback Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) is included in the Citizens' Wilderness Proposal for Colorado's public wildlands - unfortunately, the entire area is currently open to oil and gas leasing. 

"Grand Hogback is a unique and vulnerable area that should be protected against any future leasing," said Peter Hart of Wilderness Workshop. "We recommend that the BLM establish a Grand Hogback Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) that would encompass 12,430 acres of this area's wilderness-quality lands."

Conservation groups are working with local hikers, hunters, and fishermen to create a long-term vision for lands surrounding growing population centers including Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, and Kremmling.  This proposal includes protecting wilderness-quality lands and providing a balanced plan for outdoor recreation. Suggestions include:

• Creation of an 11,800-acre Troublesome Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) (Kremmling Field Office, Grand County). An important unprotected roadless area in northern Colorado, Troublesome offers exceptional hiking through dense forest and riparian habitats that shelter mule deer and elk herds, beaver and moose. Troublesome provides a 20-mile migration "bridge" between Rocky Mountain National Park and the Park Range wilderness areas. The proposed SRMA includes habitat for sensitive plant communities including American Mannagrass and Drummond Willow/Aquatic Sedge as identified by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, as well as Troublesome and Rabbit Ears Creeks - both eligible for study as Wild and Scenic River segments. This new SRMA encompasses and will complement the existing 8,200-acre Troublesome Wilderness Study Area (WSA).
• Creation of a 16,820-acre Castle Peak SRMA (Glenwood Springs Field Office, Eagle County). This SRMA will include the existing Castle Peak WSA and will protect adjacent sagebrush, aspen, shrublands, and spruce-fir forests; beaver ponds; and streams and rivers.  Home to elk, deer, bear, grouse, and raptors, this area is popular with big-game hunters, as well as hikers, backpackers, and bird watchers. 
• Expansion of the existing Thompson Creek ACEC from 4,286 acres to 9,250 acres (Glenwood Springs Field Office, Pitkin and Garfield counties). A portion of this area has been protected as an ACEC since 1984 for its "narrow, steep-walled forest canyon," geological, cultural, natural, and scenic values.  Expanding the ACEC will protect a wild retreat that is not only popular among hikers, picnickers, and backpackers, but also habitat for the sensitive and rare Harrington's beardtongue penstemon wildflower. 
• Expansion of the existing 13,144-acre Upper Colorado River SRMA to 25,000 acres (Glenwood Springs Field Office, Eagle County). Expansion of this SRMA will complement the already protected lowlands of the Upper Colorado River SRMA by including the adjacent soaring heights of the 8,600-foot Pisgah Mountain with its redrock cliffs, grasslands, ponderosa pines, and dispersed aspen groves that provide outstanding habitat for lynx. The area offers excellent backcountry hunting and hiking. Traces of the past also linger in this area, with Ute artifacts and many other archeological sites peppering the landscape.

"Given that nearly all the high potential oil and gas resources are already leased, it's time to restore balance by protecting this region's spectacular wild lands," continued Nero.  "Furthermore, we are asking BLM to abandon "open" travel designations, which allow off-road vehicles to tear new trails across the entire landscape with no restrictions, and adopt a "designated routes only" policy."