Living Rivers & the Colorado Riverkeeper

10/01/2026

All Boaters! We need your help. The BLM is considering a change to the Vernal Resource Management Plan that would open approximately 12,080 acres of federal minerals beneath the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas leasing.

This would reverse the current protection for this area. Although the proposal includes a “No Surface Occupancy” requirement, drilling and related development outside the Refuge could still affect the Green River, endangered fish habitat, water quality, air quality, wildlife, the Ouray National Fish Hatchery, and recreation.

The Ouray Refuge and the Jensen-to-Ouray reach of the Green River are important places for wildlife, fishing, boating, rafting, birding, and solitude. Please submit a public comment before the deadline of October 5th, 2026.

A suggested comment could be" I strongly oppose reversing MIN-6 and opening 12,080 acres beneath the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas leasing. “No Surface Occupancy” does not eliminate risks from directional drilling, nearby facilities, roads, pipelines, traffic, spills, pollution, noise, or light. These impacts could harm the Refuge, Green River, endangered fish, the Randlett hatchery, water and air quality, wildlife, and recreation.

BLM must establish its legal authority, consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, determine compatibility with the Refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan, and prepare a full EIS analyzing direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts.

BLM must also explain why the amendment is needed when its May 2026 evaluation found no need to reopen MIN-6, and disclose the claimed congressional and industry requests.
The agency should retain MIN-6, protect the Refuge and Green River, and reject the proposal unless these concerns are fully resolved.

If you've floated on the Green through the Uintah Basin, please personalize it with your own experiences and explain what the Refuge and Green River mean to you. Personal stories can help show the BLM what is at stake.

Thank you for taking the time to participate and speak up for the Refuge, the river, and the communities that depend on them.

Small actions add up, together we can make some noise.

Link to comment portal in the comments.

09/14/2026

09/10/2026

Join us in Vernal for an event focused on the John Wesley Powell National Conservation Area in partnership with the Museum of Uintah County.

Hear presentations on the administrative history of the lands within the NCA, paleontology, human heritage and more!

Details: Friday, Sep 18th 5:30-7PM at the Museum of Uintah County 155 E Main St, Vernal, UT 84078

07/16/2026

BLM’s Dinosaur North Travel Plan will decide which dirt roads stay open, limited, or closed for 20 years across Browns Park ACEC/Green River, LWCs/Natural Areas, WSAs, the JWP NCA, and connectors to Dinosaur National Monument.
What’s on the table:
A = 2008 status quo
B = modest conservation
C = big expansion
D = max access
What’s at stake: wildlife habitat, cultural sites (John Jarvie/Taylor Flat), riverbanks/dark skies, wilderness character, and quiet recreation.
The concern: a false choice, “paper closures” (A/B) or near‑total openings in sensitive places (C/D).
The fix: ask BLM for a true middle‑ground conservation plan that:
• Minimizes impacts route‑by‑route
• Caps route density in ACEC/LWC/WSA/NCA
• Adds seasonal/night limits + speed caps for wildlife
• Protects the Green River with parking nodes + riparian setbacks
• Closes/realigns routes threatening cultural sites
• Funds real restoration + enforces with barriers, patrols, monitoring, and auto‑closure triggers
Make it count: submit a substantive comment. Name the route/spot, describe the issue, cite the map/section, and propose a concrete fix (close/limit/reroute, parking, buffers, monitoring).
Speak up to keep the access we truly need—and protect what makes Dinosaur North special. Comment here: https://suwa.quorum.us/campaign/165205/

04/17/2026

Join us to ride the wave of an unforgettable evening! The premiere of Where the Hell Am I on April 24th at Star Hall in Moab! This isn't just a film—it's a powerful journey of resilience, purpose, and the fight for our rivers.

With special guests Heather Hansman, Anthony Mancuso, yours truly and the man himself John Weisheit.
Be part of the action as we gather to support John Weisheit’s nonprofit, Living Rivers, in his mission as Colorado Riverkeeper. Together, we can defend and restore the breathtaking public lands and rivers of the upper Colorado River Basin.