Photo by Greg Watts

Why We Need To "SAVE" The Thompson Divide Area.

The Thompson Divide area covers 221,500 acres of Federal land in Pitkin County (88,100 acres), Gunnison County (51,700 acres), Garfield County (43,500 acres), Mesa County (30,500 acres) and Delta County (7,700 acres). There are currently 81 leases in the area covering appoximately 105,000 acres. Half of the leases are in roadless areas and do not contain surface stipulations.

SG Interests, an oil and gas developer, recently submitted a propoal for a 32,000 acre exploratory unit on Federal land in the White River, Grand Mesa Uncompaghre and Gunnsion National Forests. Their request to extend leases on 32,000 acres of public land would be done prior to the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for oil and gas development in the White River National Forest, that is likely to recommend significant changes in leasing designations and lease stipulations. This unit would cut in half the area that has been prioritized for permanent protection. SG Interests intention to develop this unit is not in the best interest of the public as the existing values of this undeveloped landscape are immense. The Thompson Divide Coalition, local Counties and other groups have requested that BLM deny the application.

There is an enormous local constituency that relies upon the existing values of recreation, ranching, hunting, and preservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Our local communities rely on clean water and air for sustainabilitiy. The Thompson Divide Coalition has 2,000 supporters and has received County Commissioner support from Garfield, Pitkin and Gunnison Counties. Our local communities such as Carbondale, Basalt, Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Redstone all support preservation of the Thompson Divide by providing grants and continued public support.

The Strategy.

To remove Thompson Divide from future leasing. Thompson Divide Coalition is doing the following:

Working with Representative Tipton, Senator Michael Bennet and Senator Mark Udall, to introduce the "Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Act".
Supporting BLM and Forest Service management decisions that protect the area from future development.
Informing and educating the public and local communities about current proposals that will impact existing values in Thompson Divide.

What You Can Do.

What are we doing:

See all updates

• February 29, 2012 Colorado River Valley Field Office Resource Management Plan (BLM) Response

The Colorado River Valley Field Office Resource Management Plan (BLM) public comment period has been extended to February 29, 2012.

• February 8, 2012 Glenwood Springs Community Meeting

The Thompson Divide Coalition is hosting a Glenwood Springs Community Meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at the Glenwood Springs Community Center, from 6-8 p.m.

• February 3, 2012 Greg Watt Photos of Thompson Divide

Greg Watts, local photographer, has entered framed photographs of Thompson Divide into the CCAH Valley Visual Art Show. These photos are available for purchase with proceeds to benefit the Thompson Divide Coalition. The show is on February 3, 2012, from 6-8 at the 3rd St. Center in Carbondale.

Please stop by and check them out!

• December 12, 2011 Happy Holidays! HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE THOMPSON DIVIDE COALITION!

• October 19, 2011 TDC Fundraiser & Ralph & Pat Wanner's 18,000 mile bike ride show TDC Fundraiser With Ralph & Pat Wanner's Epic 20 month, 18,000 mile bike ride slideshow!