The U.S. Bureau of Land Management will seek public comments on potential changes to conserve big game corridors and other habitat in Colorado.

The Colorado State Office of the BLM is considering an amendment to oil and natural gas program decisions in existing resource management plans to promote the conservation of big game corridors and other big game habitats. The agency seeks public input as it prepares a statewide resource management plan amendment and associated environmental impact statement.

“We are excited to invite the public to participate in amending our resource management plans,” said Alan Bittner, deputy state director of the BLM. “Enhancing wildlife migration corridors and habitat connectivity is a top conservation priority. This amendment will be an innovative step toward better protecting the migratory patterns of Colorado’s big game populations. We look forward to the engagement and efforts of everyone involved.”  

 The BLM plans to align its efforts with the State of Colorado and its big game conservation goals.

“Improving conditions for iconic big game species is a shared priority for Western states and our federal agency partners,” said Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “The Department of Natural Resources is pleased to be working closely with the BLM on this pioneering statewide planning initiative, and on other fronts, to reduce barriers to migration and movement and conserve key habitat for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and moose on public lands across Colorado.”

The public may submit comments regarding the scope of the analysis, relevant issues, potential alternatives and identification of relevant information through the BLM ePlanning website at https://go.usa.gov/xzXxY. 

The BLM will announce the dates of upcoming virtual public meetings on the ePlanning website.