Roan Cliffs area in Colorado

[Big E]

Anyone out there in CO know whats going on with this area? We have been hunting the BLM land there for about 10 years now. We were told by DOW and BLM that this will probably be the last year for public access. Seems they will be making swiss cheese out of the area drilling for gas.



The only thing I could find on the web was a bunch of eco-nazi sites proposing turning it into a wilderness area and plowing up all the roads.



If anyone could shed any light on the situation, it would be appreciated.

 

[fkovalski]

I too have heard rumors about what you stated about the drilling. Last year we hunted in area 22 west of Rio Blanco which is a little north of the Roan Cliffs area. We just happened by chance to the spot where we camped. There is a good chance that tomorrow my brother an I will be heading over that way to get a better lay of the land and to GPS a spot in which to head for this year's 2nd season. I am sure that we will stop in Rifle at the corner General Store and we'll get the latest scuttlebutt. I'll keep you posted as to what I find out. -frank.

 

[fkovalski]

Well, we ended up going to area 22 yesterday. Unfortunately I cannot give you any better information at this time. When we headed out after a great day of scouting it was about 8:30 pm and dark. The corner store had their “gone fishin’” sign in the window, thus no chance to talk with them. The attendant at the counter where I filled up was clueless. So, no local info at this time. Are you going to try and get out here this season? I ask because I will be heading back that way for 2nd season and will have to stop in Rifle for last minute fuel, ice etc. And it will definitely not as late as when I got out of the bush last night. I will pass along any info as I find it at that time unless you will also be in the area at the time. I am usually scanning the internet for info related to items that affect local hunting and if I do come across something in the meantime related to this I will post it here. Apologies for not being able to help you more at this time.

 

[Big E]

Thanks for the try anyhow. We will be hunting the 3rd season in area 32. One of our guys said the BLM told him we would be able to hunt this year, but probably not the next. I know many of the locals don't want the area shut down, and have been fighting to keep it open. I hope they are successful.



If you do run across some info, please post it.



Thanks again

 

[fkovalski]

Well, Got back yesterday from an uneventful 3rd season. I found out some information as it pertains to this thread. It turns out that we were actually in area 32 as well. I thought we had been in 22 but after reading descriptions of the areas, it was determined that we were in fact in 32 just south of the Divide Road roughly where Sprague Gulch meets it.



We were camped on a road that leads to the private area leased (owned?) by Exxon Mobil. During our stay, a road grader passed literally feet from our tent! The foreman informed us that they were building a road to get drilling equipment in to the area (they could not wait until the seasons were over! ) He furthermore went on to say that the area at the same time next year would not be accessible. Apparently, the area as we know it will not be recognizable in the future. Where we were was not BLM land. We were in private, huntable land considered area 32 and from what I take it will be developed for drilling. They are going to place 1 drilling well every 20 acres to capture underground natural gas. Next year we are thinking of going to the BLM area of 32 near the JQS road. From my understanding, the actual BLM land will not be developed. The lady at the BLM office in Glenwood Springs was of no help as to the future status of development. The only info I got was that from the road workers who graded our campsite.



We will be following up on the status of the area for future hunting and will probably head over that way again in the summer to scout out a new camping area. Any information that I find will also be posted here as well.



I guess it depends on where you were as to how the development will affect you. My understanding (I hope) is that the actual BLM land won't be affected. How the actual develpment affect the elk habitat is another story.



Regards- frank.

 

[Big E]

Thanks for the update Frank.



We just got back this afternoon. We were camped out on Cook Ridge (Rd 8004). We did manage to bag one cow out of the four of us. We saw some others, but didn't get a chance to shoot before they ducked back in to heavy cover.



According to the Game Warden one of our guys bumped into, the public area will be open next year for sure. An injunction was filed to stop the development by someone, I'm not sure who. After next year is still up in the air.



If the drilling is limited to the private land only, it may actually improve hunting in the public area. A Warden we talked to a couple years ago said he would drive by dozens of elk daily on the private land. He stated that the elk there had no pressure on them. The drilling activity may push them into the public area.



Thanks again for the report. I guess we'll be back next year, as long as the DOW doesn't go too crazy with thier proposed fee increase.

 

[fkovalski]

Congrats on the cow! We did not see any thing ‘cept for plenty of tracks. The snow helped in that regard. We actually drove over your way on Tuesday. Ended up going to the end of Long Ridge. Somewhere over there is what we are thinking for next year. You didn’t by chance come up the JQS road? I have never been up it, but I hear the pucker factor on that road is something!



Do I assume from your last post that the BLM could actually be drilled upon in the future? I certainly hope not, but who knows. Even if the area is still for public use, there could be a lot more blaze orange in less space. And, yes- the elk will even be more prevalent where they know it is safer. It could end up being more of a concentration of animal population in less space. Just look at Estes Park and how much game is overpopulating a small haven area. Granted where we were it is larger, but I see it being more problematic of controlling a potentially lager herd. From what I saw there was not a lot of take in the area that you and I were in. At least that is how I see it with the amount of leftover tags for that area. I think the DOW was hoping for more of a harvest by the amount of leftovers. The construction workers that I ran into stated that there were quite a few elk on the private land that they are developing. They were going to hunt 4th season and that they are not even allowed to hunt their own land. I’d like to believe them, but who is going to enforce them. They potentially could have the pick of the heard.



One BBS that another member here referred to me is The High Road . It is formatted just like the TDR site but it relates more to weapons and shooting. I have been lurking it to feel it out. It might be a more appropriate site to obtain more information about the concerns that you and I have. As part of my research in the upcoming months I plan on reading up on it and see if anyone over there has input.



Anywho- Glad to hear you're home safe and your group had success. we'll keep ya' posted. -frank.

 

[Big E]

I have been up and down JQS road. Yes, the pucker factor is quite high, I would only recommend it in dry conditions. We took the cow down to the packer in Rifle and attempted to come back up JQS. The truck was all over the road due to the extreme muddy conditions. We decided to turn around and go in the easy way.



The impression that we got from both Wardens we talked to is that the public area is being targeted for drilling. I hope that I am wrong.



Thanks again,



Eric

 

[fkovalski]

I have been somewhat following the stories about the drilling. A Google shows up plenty of news articles that are overwhelming in numbers. I don't have the time to read them all. However, there is a meeting here in town: Sierra Club/ Roan Plateau. This article was in last weeks paper. I am going to attend the meeting to get more of the scuttlebutt. We'll see what happens and report back any thing new or interesting. I still think that I will be scouting out a new area this summer. Probably somewhere in Roan Cliff area, but not where we've been in the last few years.

 

[fkovalski]

Well, I went to the Sierra Club meeting as was scheduled according to the link I posted above. After they spoke about global warming and finished bashing George Bush they asked each person present to state a little about why they were attending. The usual tree huggers were there. I got a laugh from everyone when I stated that I too wanted Bush out of office- because he is TOO liberal! We actually had a good discussion about the common interest of the Roan Cliffs.



I am relatively new to bureaucratic policies, but here is what I took away from the presentation:



The BLM is an agency that does not necessarily act on behalf or in the interest of Joe Citizen. They carry out what the powers- that- be direct them to do. In this case it is at the direction of “W” to allow drilling. (I cannot verify this- it is what I was told and could be propaganda given the source. ) The BLM is apparently going to enact a management plan as to how/ when/ where etc to drill the top of the plateau. They are accepting public comment until March 4 2005. After that a decision is supposedly going to be made as to what happens to the area. From what was discussed, it was further stated that our newly elected democratic Senator Salazar is going to ask for an extension of the public comment period.



There are many outdoor groups that want the BLM to draft a plan that is more of a compromise as opposed to implementing “open range” drilling. Some of what is considered a compromise are including but not limited to the following:



*Keep drilling off the top- produce large volumes of gas from the bottom.

*Defer all leasing on top during the life of the management plan.

*Concentrate oil and gas development in the production area at the base of the plateau.



Other concerns:

*Provide strong protections for natural resources and public use.

*Promote recreation opportunities and commit to maintain the plateau’s lands for recreation use.

*Respect communities’ and residents’ quality- of- life during energy development.



There is a lot more information on the following links.



Roan Plateau Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement



Save the Roan Plateau!



What I also took away from last night’s meeting:

I am not one of the ELF or Sierra Club type (and I am not lumping those two groups together) and I joke about granola crunchin, tree huggin’ earth muffins all the time. The folks at the meeting last night truly seem to not discourage drilling. That is- they are not trying to ban resource production entirely. It appeared as if a true compromise is not only desired but feasible. Respect the resources and use modern technology to extract the usable resource. I hunt this land and I too found myself agreeing with the respectable wishes of the Sierra Club. They recognize that this area will at some time be drilled upon. They just wish it be done while maintaining as best as possible the natural landscape that exists.



I am not a crusader, but do have an interest in this area.





Roan Plateau Draft Comments can be forwarded to :



Greg Goodenow

Bureau of Land Management- Glenwood Springs field Office

PO Box 1009

Glenwood Springs, CO 81602

Fax: 970- 947- 2829

 

[fkovalski]

Talking points letter

I got the following "canned" letter from the folks at the Sierra Club with whom I met the other evening. I am re- posting it here with thier permission for any one who may be interested in being more proactive. It seemed geared towards Summit County, CO residents of which to respond, but I am sure they'll take comments from whomever from whereever.

I will post any new info as I recieve it.

*************************************



Request for Comments on Roan Plateau Management Plan



Dear Blue River Group Members & Friends:





As promised at our meeting on Monday, February 7th, below is the

information you need to write comments to the BLM and any or all of our

legislators regarding the Roan Plateau management plan. The deadline

for comments is March 5th. The sooner they are sent to legislators,

the better.



Issue:

The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) draft management plan for the

Roan Plateau allows extensive drilling of the Plateau's base and top.



Action Needed:

Send in your comments to the BLM today. Tell the BLM to create an

alternative management plan that conserves the top of the Roan Plateau

and its stunning wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. Send

copies of your letters to Representative John Salazar and Governor

Owens.



SEND YOUR ROAN PLATEAU DRAFT COMMENTS TO:



Mail:



Bureau of Land Management

Glenwood Springs Field Office

PO Box 1009

Glenwood Springs, CO 81602

Attn: Greg Goodenow

Fax 970-947-2829



Online:

www.roanplateau.ene.com.



and Copy:



The Honorable John Salazar

134 West B. Street

Pueblo, CO 81003



Bill Owens, Governor

136 State Capitol

Denver, CO 80203-1792



Representative Gary Lindstrom

1560 Sherman Street, Suite 111, Denver, CO 80203

-- email address removed --



Board of County Commissioners

Bill Wallace bwallace@co. summit.co. us

Bob French bobf@co. summit.co. us

Tom Long tlong@co. summit.co. us

BOCC

POB 68

Breckenridge, CO 80424



The Honorable Mark Udall

240 Cannon House Office Bldg.

Washington DC 20515

202-225-2161/fax 202-226-7840



The Honorable Ken Salazar

40A Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.

Washington DC 20510

202-228-5036/fax 202-226-7840



The Honorable A. Wayne Allard

525 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.

Washington DC 20510

202-224-5941/fax 202-224-6471



Suggested Message:



As a Sierra Club member I strongly urge the Bureau of Land Management

to create an alternative management plan that conserves the top of the

Roan Plateau and its stunning wildlife habitat and recreational

opportunities.



Talking Points:

Looming 3,500 feet above Rifle, Colorado, the Roan Plateau is one of

the few remaining oases of scenic beauty and solitude amidst an

industrial desert of oil and gas drilling. This popular destination

spot for local hunters, fishers, wildlife viewers, and hikers is one of

Western Colorado's four most biologically diverse places. Indeed, the

Roan Plateau is home to some of the purest strains of the imperiled

Colorado cutthroat trout, and its sage-covered top provides critical

habitat for the declining sage grouse. But this land of deep canyons,

magical waterfalls, sagebrush and woodland may soon mirror the lands at

the base of the plateau: pockmarked with drill pads and access roads.



Rather than allow extensive drilling of the top and cliffs of the Roan

Plateau, the Bureau of Land Management should respect the local

communities’ requests for the following:



• No drilling of the public lands atop the plateau and on the cliffs.

Oil and gas development would still be allowed in two-thirds of the

planning area at the base of the plateau, making available 86 percent

of the gas likely to be produced from the Roan Plateau area over the

next 20 years.



• Real, non-changeable protections for the important habitat and

natural areas in the planning area. For example, “no ground

disturbance” stipulations that cannot be changed or modified should be

placed on all the unique natural lands of the planning area.



• Commitment to development practices that respect the local

community, evoke Best Management Practices, and minimize resource

damage.



We'll be updating you periodically about the status of the Roan Plateau. And please check out the following site: http://www.saveroanplateau.org/





/s/



Karn Stiegelmeier, chair



Sandy Briggs, political chair

 

[Big E]

Frank,

I've been meaning to say "thanks" for the updates. Always seem to get side tracked whenever I'd think about it. Just got the '05 regs in the mail. Looks like we'll be heading up there for the 3rd rifle season again this year. Hopefully it won't be the last.



I appreciate any news you can pass along.



Thanks again,



Eric

 

[fkovalski]

Eric-

I have not heard anything definitive other than news blurbs here n' there. I have not persued it too much more. We are looking at other areas to go to.



Are you heading out this way in the fall? We have been looking at alternative areas. Got some places in area 66 for leftover cow tags- 4th season. And, there is the possibility of area 33 as well. Am going there this weekend to GPS a site.



I was hoping to go blackpowder season, but no leftovers. We'lll keep you posted if anything comes up.

 

[Big E]

Thanks again for the update Frank.



We have cow tags for the 3rd rifle season in 32, so we will be there this year.



We'll have to play it by ear as far as next year goes.



Eric

 

[fkovalski]

Well, we scouted area 67 a few weeks back. Went hunting there 5 years ago, and my brother pulled a 6x6 out of there some 25 years ago. We actually came across a bedded down 5x5 and surprised him! Pretty exciting to see one that close (about 50 yards or so. ) It was amazing to see him run that quick through the trees! Closest I have ever been to one (not counting the dinner plate. ) We were all set to get leftovers for this area but we were waiting to see about another person’s schedule. 2 days later all 70 for that area were gone. On to plan “B”.



Last week we went back to our ole’ stompin’ ground in area 32. Went up the JQS and camped on top. The next day we ran into a person from the Department of the Interior. Here’s what he told us: as of now, there is no drilling on BLM land, but energy company trucks are allowed to use existing roads to get to private land. They use the “rim road” (sorry- I don’t have the map in front of me) that runs past JQS at the top to get to land south of the cliffs on top. If you have a BLM map you’ll see it and the private lands there are getting to. They are entering the BLM land via one of the gulches to the north- not sure which one as we went out the JQS as well. All of the BLM will be open for hunting this year. We went down Long Ridge again for potential areas for us to go to this year (and scratched the h#!! out of the new truck!) Anyway- you will be able to get to your area as in the past and it will be open- at least according to the Interior dude. Next year- who knows!



We eventually got tags for either sex 4th season area 33 so that where we’re headed. At least that is the plan so long as we do not have to take out a mortgage to buy fuel! If I don’t hear from you- best of luck in your hunt and we’ll catch up with you at some point.



Regards- frank.

 

[Big E]

Thanks for the update Frank. Good luck to you too.



Fuel prices are definitely gonna hurt this year. Normally we take two trucks, we may try to get it down to one this year. I don't like having a back up truck, but the ole Dodges haven't failed us yet.



Take care.



Eric

 

[Big E]

Just returned a few days ago. The best weather we had the whole time was on the opening day. We got a few inches of snow. It melted quickly however, and soon turned the roads to muck. We spotted 3 bulls and 3 cows opening morning. They were a little too far to shoot, so we decided to not pressure them and let them walk off into the trees. Unfortunately we didn't see them again.



Here is a shot I grabbed on opening morning.



#ad

 

[Big E]

Lots of gas drilling activity now on the private land that borders the Roan Cliffs area. Road 8000 is being used to move the heavy equipment and supplies in. They are grading the road constantly, however it can still get nasty. Here is a truck that slid into the drainage ditch while trying to negotiate a switchback. The grader is behind it trying to pull it free. I had to wait a few minutes before I could get by.

 

[Big E]

And what would a trip be without the touristy shot.



The local game warden feels the area will be open another 3 or 4 years while the sides battle it out in court. We will probably be back next year.

 

[fkovalski]

Hey, Eric-



I meant to get back to you over the summer but alas, it is that time of the year again when a man's thoughts turn to hunting.



I applied and got a black powder license this year and will be heading out next weekend. It is for cow- first choice was bull, but got a preference point for next year. It will be nice to hunt in shorts rather than trudging around in 2 feet of snow!



I am staying local, so fuel prices are not a concern.



I have a co- worker who guided this weekend past for archery- he saw quite a few still in velvet!! The rut has not quite started even though there was a symphony to be heard. I was out camping and could hear distant bugling.



Are you heading this way again this year?