Last Chance for Comments to Protect Colorado's Backcountry National Forests

Colorado "Road" Rule Threatens Roadless Areas Statewide

Letters needed by October 2nd!

Click here to write a letter to Governor Ritter.

Colorado's best backcountry forests are at risk. President Barack Obama has been a strong supporter of the recently-affirmed 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a landmark environmental measure that preserves 58.5 million acres of inventoried roadless areas in your National Forests.

Even though a Federal court recently reinstated the 2001 Rule, the State of Colorado is continuing efforts to open up some of the wildest backcountry in Colorado to widespread logging, new coal mines, and oil and gas drilling.  The proposed Colorado Rule would provide weaker protections for Colorado's backcountry forests than any other state in the country.

This proposed Rule would allow roads 1.5 miles into roadless areas for fuel reduction projects, and an unlimited distance for electrical lines. With logging allowed at least 1.5 miles into backcountry areas, up to 660,000 acres, more than 15 percent, of Colorado's roadless areas, would be at risk. This would jeopardize valuable wildlife habitat, clean water sources, and popular recreation areas.
Written Letters Will be Heard
Fortunately, Governor Ritter has asked the public to weigh in one last time on the proposed Colorado Rule.

This is our last chance to encourage the Governor (and USDA Secretary Vilsack who will be copied on your letter) to secure strong protections for Colorado's backcountry forests.