06/03/2026
Apologize for the length of this post but we felt it important to share a letter we just sent regarding the Trump administrations sale of public lands and what we can do stop this from happening. Here is the letter:
Public lands are not a partisan issue in Colorado. Polling consistently shows bipartisan overwhelming support for protecting public lands and expressing support for conserving and preserving the lands that define our state's identity, economy, and way of life.
Yet recent reporting has highlighted a major expansion of oil and gas leasing on Colorado public lands, including some of the state's most important wildlife habitat.
High Country News: Elk herd habitat near Dinosaur National Monument to open for drilling
Capital and Main: Feds to Open Tens of Thousands of Acres of Colorado Wilderness to Oil Drilling
International Business Times: Trump Environmental Policy Threatens Colorado Elk Populations by Handing Thousands of Acres to Oil Drillers
According to reporting by High Country News and Capital & Main, the Bureau of Land Management plans to move forward with what has been described as Colorado's largest federal oil and gas lease sale in modern history. The proposed lease sale includes approximately 160,000 acres of public land across northwestern Colorado, including areas near Dinosaur National Monument and habitat relied upon by the nation's largest elk herd for migration, winter range, and foraging.
The articles note that many of the parcels are located in areas valued not only for wildlife habitat but also for hunting, fishing, recreation, tourism, and outdoor access. Conservation advocates have expressed concerns about impacts to elk migration corridors, mule deer habitat, recreation opportunities, and the broader outdoor economy that supports communities across Western Colorado.
For many Coloradans, this debate is about more than energy policy. It is about balancing responsible development with the protection of the public lands, wildlife, hunting traditions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural landscapes that define our state and contribute significantly to our quality of life and economy.
So, what can we do?
First and foremost, call Congressman Jeff Hurd (970-208-0455) and urge him to oppose efforts that threaten Colorado's public lands and wildlife habitat.
Attend this Sunday's virtual candidate forum at 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM with Congressional District 3 candidates, Alex Kelloff and Dwayne Romero and ask them where they stand on the lease sales. Register here.
Contact Congressman Neguse (CD-2), Senator Dylan Roberts (SD-8), and Representatives Velasco (HD-57) and Lukens (HD-26) and express your outrage about this lease sale.
Write a letter to the editor of the Vail Daily or other local publications. Public opinion matters, and elected officials pay attention when constituents speak out.
Share information with friends, neighbors, hunters, anglers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who may not be aware of the proposed lease sales.
Attend town halls and public meetings and ask elected officials where they stand on protecting Colorado's public lands.
Contact your county commissioners and local elected officials to ensure they are aware of the proposed changes and the potential impacts on their communities, wildlife habitat, public lands, outdoor recreation, and local economies.
Follow Rocky Mountain Wild (https://rockymountainwild.org) whose mission is to protect, connect, and restore wildlife and wild lands in the Southern Rocky Mountain region. Their website provides a tool kit and list of actions that you can take now.
Stay engaged. Public lands have broad bipartisan support, but they will only remain protected if citizens make their voices heard.
Colorado's public lands are one of our state's greatest treasures. If we want future generations to enjoy them, now is the time to act.
