BLM publishes record of decision for big game resource mgmt plan amendment

On October 23, 2024 the Colorado BLM published its Resource Management Plan Amendment for Big Game Habitat Conservation to create consistency between wildlife rules promulgated by Colorado’s Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) and 12 BLM field offices. Before this plan, oil and gas operators were required to follow BLM federal leasing and permitting regulations that differed from ECMC’s rules and among field offices. The final plan sets a density limitation for greater than 1 active oil and gas location per square mile in Colorado Parks and Wildlife identified High Priority Habitats. Operators will be required to develop plans to minimize and offset direct, indirect and cumulative adverse impacts to big game species. CWF applauds BLM for this plan amendment and participated actively during its development process.