HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.res.030.2009RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PITHIN
COUNTY,COLORADO
IN SUPPORT OF THE THOMPSON DIVIDE COALITION
RESOLUTION NO. 0,3d -2009
RECITALS
A. WHEREAS, the Thompson Divide Coalition is a broad-based coalition of local
landowners, ranchers, farmers, hunters, anglers, recreationalists, water users, conservationists and
local governments, formed to address mutual concerns regarding the existing oil and gas leases
on federal lands in the Thompson, Fourmile, Muddy and Clear Fork Creek watersheds, and the
headwaters of East Divide Creek, and the potential negative impacts on this rural area associated
with their development.
B. WHEREAS, ranching and farming in the Roaring Fork Valley not only make important
contributions to the economy of the area, but define the rural character of the valley. These
watersheds provide clean water to farms and ranches, as well as water for domestic use. In
addition, these federal lands host grazing allotments for summer range for the majority of the
area's ranchers.
C. WHEREAS, the area of concern is part of a 122,000 acre roadless landscape, which is the
largest contiguous roadless area in the state. These federal lands provide important habitat for
wildlife, and excellent hunting and angling opportunities. The area has been recognized by the
Colorado Division of Wildlife as high priority habitat for a variety of species. It is part of a
critical big game migration corridor and provides key wildlife security for species such as deer,
elk, bear, and lynx. The entire area is important elk calving habitat and summer range for big
game. In addition, the Colorado River cutthroat trout (recognized as a Species of Special
Concern) is found in at least one fork of Thompson Creek.
D. WHEREAS, the area offers exceptional recreational opportunities and is regularly used by
local bikers, climbers, hikers, snowmobilers and cross country and back country skiers. The
recreational opportunities this special area provides local residents are an essential part of the
high quality of life offered by the valley.
E. WHEREAS, energy development in this area would have a deleterious impact on the rural
character, ranching heritage and agricultural heritage of the valley and would forever ruin the
wild character and exceptional habitat of this area. Furthermore, energy development in this
rural and largely roadless area would create serious public environmental health and emergency
management concerns, and potentially cause a marked increase in the need for social services
that Pitkin County and other local jurisdictions are already struggling to provide.
F. WHEREAS, the Thompson Divide Coalition recognizes the need for energy development;
however it believes it is imperative that energy development occur only in appropriate places and
that it proceed in a responsible manner. The Bureau of Land Management has approved 80
leases on this special landscape, half of which were let in roadless areas without surface
stipulations after the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule was in effect.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin
County that:
1. The Thompson, Fourinile, Muddy and Clear Fork Creek watersheds, and the headwaters
of East Divide Creek, as well as the local community, environmental and economic values these
areas support deserve preservation and protection; and
2. Energy development on federal lands in these areas is inconsistent with such preservation
and protection, and is indicative of a flawed and irresponsible approach to energy development;
and
3. Pitkin County supports the efforts of the Thompson Divide Coalition to explore
legislative initiatives and other opportunities to protect these special areas from energy
development.
INTRODUCED, READ AND ADOPTED ON 3 , 2009.
A
By:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
John Ely
C9tinty Attorney
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF TKIN COUNTY ,~
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By: ~ u~~".~~,~ ~ ~ Jam."~...~ ~~~ ~ ~' .
Patti Kay-C apper
Chair `
MANAGER APPROVAL:
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By.
Hilary F et her
County anager