We’re nearly there- we need your help to get a mineral withdrawal for Red Lady and the Thompson Divide!
In early October Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland initiated an administrative withdrawal process for the Thompson Divide and lands surrounding Red Lady (Mt. Emmons). The proposed withdrawal would protect approximately 224,794 acres from oil and gas leasing and mining for 20 years. Securing this mineral withdrawal would be a significant step towards finalizing protections for Red Lady. After many years of advocacy, our voices have been heard!
But we need your help to get this across the finish line. Both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and United States Forest Service (USFS) will be accepting comments on the proposed withdrawal. We are currently in a 90 day BLM public comment period, and the USFS will be initiating a similar comment period soon. These public comment periods are a critical opportunity to tell the agencies why it is so important to you to Save Red Lady from mining and protect the Divide from oil and gas development.
This administrative withdrawal won’t have the permanence of a Congressional withdrawal but instead will provide 20 years of protection while we continue to work for permanent legislation. Comments must be received by the BLM January 16, 2023. A public meeting is scheduled for December 14, 2022.
To view a map of the withdrawal area, click here.
You can participate by signing HCCA’s Petition below.
Statement of Support for the Proposed Mineral Withdrawal of the Thompson Divide and Mt. Emmons Area
I support the withdrawal of the Thompson Divide and Mt. Emmons area from mining and mineral development. I encourage the Bureau of Land Management and United States Forest Service to withdraw approximately 224,793.73 acres from all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights. The Upper Gunnison watershed and Thompson Divide area support a range of natural and community values, including boasting some of the state’s most productive big game units, a long heritage of family ranching operations, and world-class outdoor recreation opportunities. This area serves as the headwaters of the Gunnison River. This 20 year withdrawal is in the best interest of the Gunnison Valley and will support my use and enjoyment of these lands.
The Bureau of Land Management is accepting public comment on the proposed withdrawal of public lands in the Thompson Divide and Mt. Emmons area from mining and mineral development. The deadline to submit a statement of support is January 16, 2023. By providing your contact information below, you agree with the following statement: “I support the withdrawal of approximately 224,793.73 acres from all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights.”
Want to craft your own comment? Suggested talking points to include in your comment:
A request to protect Mt. Emmons (Red Lady)
I request that the Bureau of Land Management and United States Forest Service move forward with a federal mineral withdrawal for the lands surrounding Mt. Emmons to protect the Gunnison Valley’s water quality, rural communities and their heritage.
I request to protect the Thompson Divide from oil and gas development
I support moving forward with a full mineral withdrawal for the entirety of the Thompson Divide Area. Oil and gas development is incompatible with the numerous other public lands resources and values in this area, including water quality and quantity, downstream agriculture, big game populations, hunting and fishing, grazing, and recreation.
Your connection and why you care
Why is this important to you personally? Is it that it’s one of your favorite backcountry ski runs? Or that Red Lady is central to our viewshed and a beautiful sentinel at the top of our valley, playing an important role in our tourism economy? Do you value hiking, camping, hunting, or fishing across the lands that are subject to the withdrawal? Consider personalizing your comment with specific uses or values you enjoy within the Thompson Divide and Mt. Emmons landscapes.
Please send comments to: BLM_CO_Thompson_Divide@blm.gov
Or mail them to:
State Director
Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Office
2850 Youngfield Street
Lakewood, Colorado 80215
