The grouse plan released by the Interior Department today is freaking massive, and a nightmare to maneuver. But we know how concerned everyone is over that damn bird, so we’ve cut through the crap to list what will no longer be allowed on 1.7 million acres of Colorado’s Western Slope.
- No solar energy development.
- No wind energy development.
- All mining, infrastructure and natural resource energy development is limited to a disturbance cap of three percent of the total surface lands.
- The closure of grazing allotments and pastures will be considered to manage the area as a forage reserve. New grazing permits will be dependent upon its effects on grouse habitat.
- No new recreation facilities
- Infrastructure right of ways, minor projects with special stipulations.
So there you have it, in exchange for doing all of this, the government maybe, might not, possibly list the grouse as an endangered species come September. If the bird is actually listed, we will not be able to do any of the following on the 1.7 million acres:
- See above list
It’s a good thing the State of Colorado dropped $62 million in tax dollars to preserve the grouse, otherwise the feds might have taken away our right to even look at our public lands Grouseland.
Here’s what U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner had to say about the management plan:
“These federal plans would have major negative economic impacts on states, communities, and jobs. They would significantly hamper access to public lands for sportsmen and other recreational users. They do not represent a viable, workable option for states leading up to the September 30th deadline by which the Interior Department will decide whether or not to list the Sage Grouse as an endangered species.”
No one else from the Colorado delegation has weighed in on the magnitude of the government’s actions, but we’re sure they’ve been super busy attending to matters of state that are just as important.
Had dinner w Justin Timberlake @sparker pic.twitter.com/oFQ2qEGWzW
— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) May 28, 2015