County voices concerns on Sage-Grouse protection plans
On June 11, the Board of County Commissioners submitted a letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding the proposed changes to land management rules for the Greater Sage-Grouse. These changes could significantly affect our community. Mesa County has approximately 14,200 acres of Greater Sage-Grouse habitat in the area between De Beque and Collbran — of those acres, approximately 12,000 are on private land.
The letter highlights the following key points on Sage-Grouse protection plans:
- The Sage-Grouse is a bird whose habitat spans across ten states, including parts of northwest Colorado. The BLM’s draft plan aims to protect this habitat, but it includes rules that might limit how we use and develop our land.
- The proposed 3% Density Cap would make it difficult and costly for Mesa County to improve roads and build necessary structures within Sage-Grouse habitats, like communication towers for emergency services.
- While the BLM's plan places strict rules on oil and gas projects, it is more lenient with renewable energy developments. Mesa County advocates for consistent rules across all types of energy projects to protect Sage-Grouse habitats equally.
- Mesa County seeks clear, proactive plans for maintaining habitat quality rather than a reactive "wait and see" approach.
- Mesa County advocates for early and consistent communication with local ranchers regarding changes to grazing leases to protect the land and residents' livelihoods.
While the BLM prefers a broad plan, Mesa County believes in flexible local management to ensure public lands meet diverse needs and long-term use goals. It is important that the BLM, Mesa County, and our neighboring counties balance the conservation needs of the Greater Sage-Grouse with local economic and safety needs.
We encourage residents to stay engaged and informed on this process. Read the full letter here.
