Category: News (Older posts)

On June 22, 2012, US District Judge Marcia Krieger set aside the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision in its Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) for the Roan Plateau. She found the BLM’s decision violated the Administrative Procedures Act because it did not sufficiently address the community alternative, cumulative air quality impacts and potential ozone impacts. Judge Krieger remanded the action to the BLM for further action.

The BLM had issued its final RMP/EIS in August of 2006 and adopted its plan in June 2007. Its plan would permit leasing of the entire federal public land area of the Roan Plateau for oil and gas drilling, through a phased drilling and reclamation process.

CWF had participated extensively before the BLM adopted its plan, urging phased leasing, protection of important deer and elk winter range, and attention to reasonably foreseeable cumulative impacts to wildlife of its plan when considered in conjunction with current and future development on adjacent private lands. CWF was not a party to the lawsuit.

Headwaters Economics, an independent research group, released a new study showing that Colorado’s federal public lands drive economic growth.  See Denver Post article by Jason Blevins below:

By Jason Blevins The Denver Post 05/30/2012 – 9:41 PM EDT
<pre>Protected federal lands are fueling Colorado’s economic vitality by luring both
employers and employees eager to pursue a quality of life elevated by wild, open
spaces.
A new study released Wednesday by Montana’s Headwaters Economics – an independentresearch group that compiles federal and regional statistics into research aimed at improving community development and land management decisions – shows that Colorado’s federally protected national parks, wilderness areas and monuments are driving economic growth. The study of Colorado and the West reports that Western non-metro counties with more than 30 percent of lands federally protected enjoyed a 345 percent increase in jobs since 1970 while non-metro counties with no protected
lands saw only 83 percent job growth in the same period. It’s not just the host communities that are thriving.
“The lands immediately surrounding these federally protected areas are the fastest growing,” said Ray Rasker , the executive director of Headwaters Economics who
describes himself as an “economic geographer.” Dispelling the notion that land protection hinders economic development, Rasker’s
research points to Colorado’s vast collection of federal land – 36 percent of the state – as a primary driver in growing the state’s economy. In 2010, Colorado was a top-ranked state for entrepreneurs, with 450 new businesses every month for every 100,000 residents compared to a national rate of 340 new businesses a month.
David White , head of marketing for the Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corp. regularly trolls California for chieftains of fast-growing companies eager to escape a rough business climate. Focusing on six key industries, White has found a gold mine of California CEOs ready to move to Colorado for personal lifestyle reasons. His group’s new ad campaign emphasizes Colorado Springs’ outdoor fun. A list of Orange County businesses that recently relocated to the city is growing. “Our quality of life and our open spaces and our trails are very appealing in trying to attract the companies we want to attract,” White said. High wage services industries have led Colorado’s job growth, with Rasker’s research showing new health care, finance, real estate and professional services jobs driving and diversifying the state’s job landscape. Many of those workers were lured by the
state’s outdoor offerings, he said. Colorado’s wildlands not only attract new businesses but contribute to existingbusiness growth. Ryan Martens , founder of Boulder’s Rally Software, said Colorado is “the best combination of place, knowledgeable workers and lifestyle.” “I can’t think of a better place to anchor a business,” said Martens, who employs
200 highly skilled workers in Colorado. “It allows us a place to regenerate also. It’s a place for us to actually clear our heads.”
John Land Le Coq recently relocated his Fishpond and Lilypond fly-fishing gear and apparel companies from Kansas to Denver and is infusing his brands with not just Colorado’s sustainable, open spaces but the workers drawn to those places. “We could have gone to several different places, but Colorado was vital to us because of the employee base,” Le Coq said. “The kind of people we want in our business are here for the same reason we are. It’s the employee base we need.” Jason Blevins: 303-954-1374 or jblevins@denverpost.com

Headwaters Economics, an independent research group, released a new study showing that Colorado’s federal public lands drive economic growth.  See Denver Post article by Jason Blevins below:

By Jason Blevins The Denver Post 05/30/2012 – 9:41 PM EDT
<pre>Protected federal lands are fueling Colorado’s economic vitality by luring both
employers and employees eager to pursue a quality of life elevated by wild, open
spaces.
A new study released Wednesday by Montana’s Headwaters Economics – an independentresearch group that compiles federal and regional statistics into research aimed at improving community development and land management decisions – shows that Colorado’s federally protected national parks, wilderness areas and monuments are driving economic growth. The study of Colorado and the West reports that Western non-metro counties with more than 30 percent of lands federally protected enjoyed a 345 percent increase in jobs since 1970 while non-metro counties with no protected
lands saw only 83 percent job growth in the same period. It’s not just the host communities that are thriving.
“The lands immediately surrounding these federally protected areas are the fastest growing,” said Ray Rasker , the executive director of Headwaters Economics who
describes himself as an “economic geographer.” Dispelling the notion that land protection hinders economic development, Rasker’s
research points to Colorado’s vast collection of federal land – 36 percent of the state – as a primary driver in growing the state’s economy. In 2010, Colorado was a top-ranked state for entrepreneurs, with 450 new businesses every month for every 100,000 residents compared to a national rate of 340 new businesses a month.
David White , head of marketing for the Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corp. regularly trolls California for chieftains of fast-growing companies eager to escape a rough business climate. Focusing on six key industries, White has found a gold mine of California CEOs ready to move to Colorado for personal lifestyle reasons. His group’s new ad campaign emphasizes Colorado Springs’ outdoor fun. A list of Orange County businesses that recently relocated to the city is growing. “Our quality of life and our open spaces and our trails are very appealing in trying to attract the companies we want to attract,” White said. High wage services industries have led Colorado’s job growth, with Rasker’s research showing new health care, finance, real estate and professional services jobs driving and diversifying the state’s job landscape. Many of those workers were lured by the
state’s outdoor offerings, he said. Colorado’s wildlands not only attract new businesses but contribute to existingbusiness growth. Ryan Martens , founder of Boulder’s Rally Software, said Colorado is “the best combination of place, knowledgeable workers and lifestyle.” “I can’t think of a better place to anchor a business,” said Martens, who employs
200 highly skilled workers in Colorado. “It allows us a place to regenerate also. It’s a place for us to actually clear our heads.”
John Land Le Coq recently relocated his Fishpond and Lilypond fly-fishing gear and apparel companies from Kansas to Denver and is infusing his brands with not just Colorado’s sustainable, open spaces but the workers drawn to those places. “We could have gone to several different places, but Colorado was vital to us because of the employee base,” Le Coq said. “The kind of people we want in our business are here for the same reason we are. It’s the employee base we need.” Jason Blevins: 303-954-1374 or jblevins@denverpost.com

CWF, in conjunction with NWF, TU, TRCP and Barbara Vasquez have worked hard and effectively to shine light on the need for riparian setbacks for oil and gas operations to prevent the types of problems that have occurred in North Park. North Park is a highly valued destination for fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation. We appreciate this well-reserach coverage in the Denver Post by Bruce Finley on May 12.

Denver Post article: ” Colorado urged to toughen drilling rules near waterways”

Link: www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_20606551

CWF, in conjunction with NWF, TU, TRCP and Barbara Vasquez have worked hard and effectively to shine light on the need for riparian setbacks for oil and gas operations to prevent the types of problems that have occurred in North Park. North Park is a highly valued destination for fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation. We appreciate this well-reserach coverage in the Denver Post by Bruce Finley on May 12.

Denver Post article: ” Colorado urged to toughen drilling rules near waterways”

Link: www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_20606551

On May 2, 2012, 7 years after the process began, the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Colorado Roadless Rule was released and announced by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Governor John Hickenlooper. “It provides conservation for 4.2 million acres in Colorado’s national forests.” Of that acreage, 1.2 million will have greater protection. CWF supports the rule, while stating that some tweaks are needed during the final 30-day process. CWF’s executive director said in a press release today, “Coloradoans have worked together for six years to strengthen and improve the Colorado Roadless Rule for the benefit of of the state’s outdoor heritage. As a result the rule is greatly improved from the drafts, and we look forward to, on balance, a successful end product.” CWF believes that the increased flexibilty for communities to be protected from catastrophic wildfires was an important aspect that was worked out during the last 3 years. However, CWF will remain involved with others to address remaining concerns with the rule such as some energy leases that were issued with questionable stipulations, and inadequate protection for cutthroat trout streams. The Colorado Roadless Rule and the Idaho rule are the only state-based roadless rules. The Final EIS is posted on the Forest Service website.

On May 2, 2012, 7 years after the process began, the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Colorado Roadless Rule was released and announced by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Governor John Hickenlooper. “It provides conservation for 4.2 million acres in Colorado’s national forests.” Of that acreage, 1.2 million will have greater protection. CWF supports the rule, while stating that some tweaks are needed during the final 30-day process. CWF’s executive director said in a press release today, “Coloradoans have worked together for six years to strengthen and improve the Colorado Roadless Rule for the benefit of of the state’s outdoor heritage. As a result the rule is greatly improved from the drafts, and we look forward to, on balance, a successful end product.” CWF believes that the increased flexibilty for communities to be protected from catastrophic wildfires was an important aspect that was worked out during the last 3 years. However, CWF will remain involved with others to address remaining concerns with the rule such as some energy leases that were issued with questionable stipulations, and inadequate protection for cutthroat trout streams. The Colorado Roadless Rule and the Idaho rule are the only state-based roadless rules. The Final EIS is posted on the Forest Service website.

On April 26, the Senate Agricultural Committee passed the 2012 Farm Bill, including key amendments backed by Colorado’s Senator Michael Bennet. CWF applauds Senator Bennet and these measures to help farmers, ranchers, sportsmen and other conservationists.

Here is the press release issued by Senator Bennet:

Bennet-Backed Measures Including Improved Conservation Programs, Crop Insurance, Focus on Water Quantity Retained in Bill

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined his colleagues in the Senate Agriculture Committee in reporting the 2012 Farm Bill out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. The bill includes several Bennet-backed provisions and amendments aimed at helping Colorado farmers, ranchers and sportsmen. The bill passed with broad, bipartisan support and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

œI have heard from Coloradans from Wray to Cortez, and from Lamar to Meeker that they need a Farm Bill that works better, addresses the issues that affect them most and builds upon the progress being made in our rural communities, said Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. œThe Senate Agriculture Committee has put forward a bipartisan bill that will save taxpayer dollars, adds efficiency and provides support and certainty for producers, small business entrepreneurs, and community food organizations continuing the important work of feeding our country. The bill reported out of committee today will also increase access for Colorado hunters and anglers and support our recreation-based economy.

œI will continue to work for swift passage of the bill, so Colorado farmers and ranchers have the certainty and security that they need to plan for the future.

Steven Kline, director of the Center for Agricultural & Private Lands at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said, œThe Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation for sportsmen across the country. Thanks in no small part to Senator Bennet’s work on the Agriculture Committee, the Senate version of the 2012 Farm Bill now boasts more resources for the Voluntary Public Access program, the only federal program designed to increase economically important recreational access to private lands in states like Colorado. Senator Bennet was also instrumental in the inclusion of a robust Sodsaver provision in the Committee mark. Because of the leadership of Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Roberts, and Committee members like Senator Bennet, this Farm Bill accomplishes good things for hunters and anglers and the fish and wildlife habitat they depend on.

In response to the input he received at more than 20 Farm Bill listening sessions he held across the state, Bennet introduced and cosponsored several key provisions and pushed important changes to current agriculture and conservation policies.

During today’s hearing, the amendments Bennet secured were:

• An amendment Bennet introduced that includes water quantity as a focus for the new Regional Conservation Partnerships Program.

• An amendment Bennet introduced that would increase resources for the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program. Voluntary Public Access”a priority for Colorado’s sportsmen”encourages the owners of privately-held farm, ranch and forest land to voluntarily make their land available for public access through grants to already existing state and tribal governments.

• A package of Farm Bill energy programs Bennet cosponsored that includes the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESPA) Act, which Bennet helped introduce last Congress. RESPA would allow the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to authorize low interest loans for rural homeowners and small businesses to do energy efficiency retrofits.  Last Congress, Bennet used his first hearing as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy, Science and Technology to hear testimony on this bill.

• An amendment Bennet cosponsored that would eliminate federal subsidy support on new cropland acres that are put into production as a result of breaking grassland that had no previous cropping history (also known as œsodsaver). This provision is supported by Colorado sportsmen as key policy to protect important wildlife habitat.

The bill retained measures Bennet fought to include prior to today’s hearing. It strengthens the federal crop insurance program by improving the way crop insurance functions for producers with consecutive years of losses and expanding the kinds of crops that are covered under the program. Bennet has repeatedly pushed for strengthening this program in Agriculture Committee hearings because he heard from Coloradans that crop insurance is their top risk-management priority. The federal crop insurance program helps to protect producers against crop yield and revenue losses due to adverse weather events or pests.

It renews the programs that govern our national agriculture, nutrition, conservation and forestry policy. The 2008 Farm Bill expires on September 30, 2012.

The 2012 Farm Bill draft reforms farm policy, consolidates and streamlines programs and would reduce the deficit by $23 billion.

Last month, Bennet led six members of Colorado’s Congressional delegation in sending a letter to the leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees calling on them to advance and pass a Farm Bill in 2012. Bennet has also been involved in negotiating and drafting the 2012 Farm Bill.

Bennet also recently led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriators calling for strong and robust funding for Farm Bill conservation programs.

On April 26, the Senate Agricultural Committee passed the 2012 Farm Bill, including key amendments backed by Colorado’s Senator Michael Bennet. CWF applauds Senator Bennet and these measures to help farmers, ranchers, sportsmen and other conservationists.

Here is the press release issued by Senator Bennet:

Bennet-Backed Measures Including Improved Conservation Programs, Crop Insurance, Focus on Water Quantity Retained in Bill

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined his colleagues in the Senate Agriculture Committee in reporting the 2012 Farm Bill out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. The bill includes several Bennet-backed provisions and amendments aimed at helping Colorado farmers, ranchers and sportsmen. The bill passed with broad, bipartisan support and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

œI have heard from Coloradans from Wray to Cortez, and from Lamar to Meeker that they need a Farm Bill that works better, addresses the issues that affect them most and builds upon the progress being made in our rural communities, said Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. œThe Senate Agriculture Committee has put forward a bipartisan bill that will save taxpayer dollars, adds efficiency and provides support and certainty for producers, small business entrepreneurs, and community food organizations continuing the important work of feeding our country. The bill reported out of committee today will also increase access for Colorado hunters and anglers and support our recreation-based economy.

œI will continue to work for swift passage of the bill, so Colorado farmers and ranchers have the certainty and security that they need to plan for the future.

Steven Kline, director of the Center for Agricultural & Private Lands at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said, œThe Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation for sportsmen across the country. Thanks in no small part to Senator Bennet’s work on the Agriculture Committee, the Senate version of the 2012 Farm Bill now boasts more resources for the Voluntary Public Access program, the only federal program designed to increase economically important recreational access to private lands in states like Colorado. Senator Bennet was also instrumental in the inclusion of a robust Sodsaver provision in the Committee mark. Because of the leadership of Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Roberts, and Committee members like Senator Bennet, this Farm Bill accomplishes good things for hunters and anglers and the fish and wildlife habitat they depend on.

In response to the input he received at more than 20 Farm Bill listening sessions he held across the state, Bennet introduced and cosponsored several key provisions and pushed important changes to current agriculture and conservation policies.

During today’s hearing, the amendments Bennet secured were:

• An amendment Bennet introduced that includes water quantity as a focus for the new Regional Conservation Partnerships Program.

• An amendment Bennet introduced that would increase resources for the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program. Voluntary Public Access”a priority for Colorado’s sportsmen”encourages the owners of privately-held farm, ranch and forest land to voluntarily make their land available for public access through grants to already existing state and tribal governments.

• A package of Farm Bill energy programs Bennet cosponsored that includes the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESPA) Act, which Bennet helped introduce last Congress. RESPA would allow the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to authorize low interest loans for rural homeowners and small businesses to do energy efficiency retrofits.  Last Congress, Bennet used his first hearing as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy, Science and Technology to hear testimony on this bill.

• An amendment Bennet cosponsored that would eliminate federal subsidy support on new cropland acres that are put into production as a result of breaking grassland that had no previous cropping history (also known as œsodsaver). This provision is supported by Colorado sportsmen as key policy to protect important wildlife habitat.

The bill retained measures Bennet fought to include prior to today’s hearing. It strengthens the federal crop insurance program by improving the way crop insurance functions for producers with consecutive years of losses and expanding the kinds of crops that are covered under the program. Bennet has repeatedly pushed for strengthening this program in Agriculture Committee hearings because he heard from Coloradans that crop insurance is their top risk-management priority. The federal crop insurance program helps to protect producers against crop yield and revenue losses due to adverse weather events or pests.

It renews the programs that govern our national agriculture, nutrition, conservation and forestry policy. The 2008 Farm Bill expires on September 30, 2012.

The 2012 Farm Bill draft reforms farm policy, consolidates and streamlines programs and would reduce the deficit by $23 billion.

Last month, Bennet led six members of Colorado’s Congressional delegation in sending a letter to the leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees calling on them to advance and pass a Farm Bill in 2012. Bennet has also been involved in negotiating and drafting the 2012 Farm Bill.

Bennet also recently led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriators calling for strong and robust funding for Farm Bill conservation programs.

Colorado House Bill 12-1317 re composition of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission passed in the House on April 18 on a 35-30 vote.  This bill, as passed, was amended on the House Floor on 2nd reading April 16.    CWF had opposed the bill because it does not reflect the recommendation made by the Commission at its December meeting, following months of deliberation and public comment at its meetings and via the Department of Natural Resources website.  The Commission’s recommendation is similar to that made by CWF on September 29.  In our view, this bill impairs the balance that the recommendation had achieved among the community of users and interests. We are concerned that 4 or more seats might become held by persons whose current profession/occupation involves wildlife only from the vantage point of a commercial interest, and that would form the perspective of the individual’s decision making.

The bill now provides for  the following voting seats: 3 sportmen/women seats including a hunting/fishing outfitter; 3 agricultural seats [actively involved in production agriculture as owners or lessees and as owners of the commodities produced on the land]; 3 parks and outdoor recreation seats which includes a seat for a representative of a nonconsumptive wildlife organization and one of these 3 seats must have a background in motorized and nonmotorized trail-related pursuits; and 2 at-large seats. The 2 ex officio nonvoting seats remain for the Executive Director of DNR and the Commissioner of Department of Agriculture. The bill also includes this provision: “the Governor shall make appointments that ensure that a reasonable balance of the following areas of knowledge and experience, as they relate to parks and wildlife, are represented: Outdoor business, service as a current or former elected official, youth outdoor education, wildlife biology or science, energy, conservation, beneficial uses of water, and wildlife habitat and management.  In order to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph (b), the Governor shall give preference to persons with experience or expertise in multiple areas of knowledge.”  The bill also states that at least 5 voting members shall be appointed from the West Slope.

History of bill –– The hearing on the House bill was Monday afternoon, February 27 in the House Committee on Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources.  CWF testified at the hearing in opposition to the bill  and urged a return to, or a composition similar to, the Commission’s – and CWF’s recommendation.

On March 7,  the bill passed the House Ag Committee, with an amendment, on a 9-4 vote and was referred and passed in the House Committee on Appropriations.  Note that this bill was amended on March 7 to add a member “who represents a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the conservation and enhancement of Colorado’s wildlife and habitat; recognizes and promotes primarily nonconsumptive wildlife use; and has expertise in wildlife issues, wildlife habitat, or wildlife management.”   In addition, the outfitter seat is no longer 1 of the 3 sportsmen’s seats but is a separate seat.  That means there would be 3 sportsmen’s seats and 1 outfitter seat.  The number of outdoor recreation/parks seats would change from 5 to 3 in amended para. 3(a) III.  The paragraph quoted below was changed from business to “outdoor business,” it strikes conservation and adds “beneficial uses of water.”   A new paragraph has been added to provide “regardless of the particular interests or qualifications possessed by each member appointed to the Commission… each Commissioner represents diverse parks, wildlife, and outdoor recreation throughout Colorado.”   A quorum was clarified in the amended bill to state that 6 voting members constitutes a quorum rather than simply  6 members. (The problem was that under the original bill a quorum could consist of 4 voting members plus the 2 ex officio members.) In addition, the amended bill deletes the requirement that no more than 4 voting members may be appointed from the combined eastern plains and Denver metro area.

Provisions as originally introduced were a composition of 3 sportsmen/women including a hunting/fishing outfitter; 3 agriculture seats; and 5 parks and outdoor recreation seats, one of which must have a background in motorized and nonmotorized trails. Bill retains the ex officio seats for DNR Executive Director and Commissioners of Department of Agriculture. It also provided that the Governor “shall make appointments that ensure that a reasonable balance of the following areas of knowledge, as they relate to parks and wildlife, are represented: business, wildlife biology or science, energy, conservation, nonconsumptive wildlife uses, nonprofit organizations, off-highway vehicle use, and wildlife habitat and management. In order to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph (b), the Governor shall give preference to persons with experience or expertise in multiple areas of knowledge.”   The bill had also provided that no more than 4 voting members may be appointed from the combined Eastern plains and the Denver metro area.

The following was the Commission’s recommendation of December 2011 which CWF supports and had recommended on 9/29/11:

At its December meeting (12/8-9) the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission settled on its final recommendations on Legislative Declaration, Agency Mission and Commission Composition:

Commission’s  Recommended Legislative Declaration –The Commission recommends that the statute include the following legislative declaration:  It is the policy of the state of Colorado that the wildlife, natural, scenic, and scientific resources of this state are to be protected, preserved, enhanced, and managed for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the people of this state and its visitors.  It is further declared to be the policy of this state that there shall be provided a comprehensive program designed to offer the greatest possible variety of recreational opportunity to the people of this state and its visitors and that, to carry out such program and policy, there shall be a continuous operation of planning, acquisition, development and management of wildlife habitats, state parks, outdoor recreation lands, trails, waters, and facilities, and that both education and outreach activities will be designed to promote natural resource stewardship.