Merchant Herald:
"On Monday, May 14, the Bureau of Land Management released for public comment a preliminary Environmental Assessment and unsigned Finding of No Significant Impact regarding Oxbow Mining, LLC’s Federal Coal Exploration License. The proposed Oak Mesa Project extends from the edge of the Bowie Mine holdings westward across the mesa to the Leroux Creek area, encompassing about 13,873 acres, north of Hotchkiss.
“The Oak Mesa Project is adjacent to existing coal leases in an area of known coal reserves,” said Barb Sharrow, BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Manager. “Coal exploration drilling is needed to determine seam reserve availability for possible development of a new underground coal mine in Delta County.”
Oxbow’s application proposes to drill 43 exploration drill holes on private and federal lands into federal subsurface holdings....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Showing posts with label BLM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BLM. Show all posts
May 16, 2012
May 8, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Controversial land exchange moves forward"
Andrew Travers:
"A proposed land exchange involving hundreds of acres near Mount Sopris that could become public has cleared a key hurdle with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the agency is now seeking public comment on it.
The deal would make public the 557-acre Sutey Ranch, just outside Carbondale, and privatize more than 1,200 acres of public land on the flanks of Mount Sopris. The BLM has been evaluating the proposal for more than 14 months, and announced Monday it was moving forward...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"A proposed land exchange involving hundreds of acres near Mount Sopris that could become public has cleared a key hurdle with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the agency is now seeking public comment on it.
The deal would make public the 557-acre Sutey Ranch, just outside Carbondale, and privatize more than 1,200 acres of public land on the flanks of Mount Sopris. The BLM has been evaluating the proposal for more than 14 months, and announced Monday it was moving forward...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 25, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "New Fruita Trails Open In Time For Fat Tire Festival"
17 years as one of the most popular mountain bike events in the Rockies. Congratulations to the Fat Tire Festival!
Danielle Kreutter:
"FRUITA, Colo.- The Bureau of Land Management and several other community organizations have teamed up to add two new singletrack trails, "Pump Track" and "Zip Off," in Fruita for mountain bikers to enjoy.
The plan to add more trails to the North Fruita Desert has been years in the making.
"These sort of things take quite a bit of time and effort and partnership from various other groups besides the BLM," said Michelle Bailey, BLM assistant field manager.
One of those groups, Fruita Singletracks, is now playing a role in building these new trails now that funds have been reached.
"Fruita Singletracks has been raising funds for this, COPMOBA raised funds, there has been donations from all around," said Greg Mazu of Singletrack Trails.
Now construction can begin just in time for the annual mountain bike festival in Fruita...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Danielle Kreutter:
"FRUITA, Colo.- The Bureau of Land Management and several other community organizations have teamed up to add two new singletrack trails, "Pump Track" and "Zip Off," in Fruita for mountain bikers to enjoy.
The plan to add more trails to the North Fruita Desert has been years in the making.
"These sort of things take quite a bit of time and effort and partnership from various other groups besides the BLM," said Michelle Bailey, BLM assistant field manager.
One of those groups, Fruita Singletracks, is now playing a role in building these new trails now that funds have been reached.
"Fruita Singletracks has been raising funds for this, COPMOBA raised funds, there has been donations from all around," said Greg Mazu of Singletrack Trails.
Now construction can begin just in time for the annual mountain bike festival in Fruita...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 20, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "West: BLM eyes ecosanctuary plans for wild horses"
(See related story here)
What wonderful news this is.
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The long-running controversy over the fate of the West’s wild horses may be at least partially resolved in the coming years, as the Bureau of Land Management moves toward partnering with private stakeholders to create a 530,000-acre eco-sanctuary in northeastern Nevada.
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
What wonderful news this is.
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The long-running controversy over the fate of the West’s wild horses may be at least partially resolved in the coming years, as the Bureau of Land Management moves toward partnering with private stakeholders to create a 530,000-acre eco-sanctuary in northeastern Nevada.
The BLM said this week it will start an environmental study of the proposal submitted by the Saving America’s Mustangs Foundation and Madeline Pickens. The study will take about two years. Subsequently, the agency will decide whether to move ahead with the plans....." (Read more? Click title)
April 16, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Pueblo Chieftain "Comments sought on geothermal leases"
Matt Hildner:
"MONTE VISTA — The Bureau of Land Management has extended the comment period on a draft study of leasing policies for geothermal energy in the San Luis Valley.
The comment period has been extended to April 24.
The draft environmental assessment identifies public lands in the valley with the potential for geothermal development.
It also lists the stipulations that would be tied to any leases issued by the agency...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"MONTE VISTA — The Bureau of Land Management has extended the comment period on a draft study of leasing policies for geothermal energy in the San Luis Valley.
The comment period has been extended to April 24.
The draft environmental assessment identifies public lands in the valley with the potential for geothermal development.
It also lists the stipulations that would be tied to any leases issued by the agency...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 10, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Biodiversity: Bat-killing fungus traced to Europe"
Fascinating report from Bob Berwyn. Up and over on the Summit County Citizens Voice.
Bats are vitally important to our global eco-systems. To finally trace the deadly 'white-nose syndrome' to Europe origins and start narrowing down the transmitters as being likely humans visiting caves and carrying away particle traces on their bodies and clothing is major progress.
Will the research become solid enough to close our fragile caves to human visitors?
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Researchers are closer to pinpointing the origins of a deadly disease that has killed almost 7 million bats in the eastern and central U.S.
White nose syndrome, which affects hibernating bats, likely results from a fungus native to Europe, Canadian researchers reported this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Previous research had also suggested a European origin for the disease. The fungus is know to exist in European bat habitat, but the bats have apparently developed some genetic immunity.
In a controlled setting, biologists exposed separate groups of test bats to European and American strains of the fungus and monitored the onset of the disease for several months.
Both groups of bats showed all the known signs of the disease, including powdery white fungal growths on the bats’ exposed skin and damage to the wings. Infected bats were likely roused three to four times more often than uninfected bats from their hibernation, resulting in the depletion of precious subcutaneous fat reserves and in body wasting, which, the authors suggest, is the likely cause of mortality.
Because European bats largely survive the fungal infection possibly through the evolution of immunity, the authors suggest that the introduction of the fungus from Europe into North America is the likely cause of white nose syndrome among North American bats.
Researchers don’t know how the fungus may have spread from Europe to the U.S. There has been some speculation that visitors to caves carried a few of the spores on their clothes or shoes...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Bats are vitally important to our global eco-systems. To finally trace the deadly 'white-nose syndrome' to Europe origins and start narrowing down the transmitters as being likely humans visiting caves and carrying away particle traces on their bodies and clothing is major progress.
Will the research become solid enough to close our fragile caves to human visitors?
Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Researchers are closer to pinpointing the origins of a deadly disease that has killed almost 7 million bats in the eastern and central U.S.
White nose syndrome, which affects hibernating bats, likely results from a fungus native to Europe, Canadian researchers reported this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Previous research had also suggested a European origin for the disease. The fungus is know to exist in European bat habitat, but the bats have apparently developed some genetic immunity.
In a controlled setting, biologists exposed separate groups of test bats to European and American strains of the fungus and monitored the onset of the disease for several months.
Both groups of bats showed all the known signs of the disease, including powdery white fungal growths on the bats’ exposed skin and damage to the wings. Infected bats were likely roused three to four times more often than uninfected bats from their hibernation, resulting in the depletion of precious subcutaneous fat reserves and in body wasting, which, the authors suggest, is the likely cause of mortality.
Because European bats largely survive the fungal infection possibly through the evolution of immunity, the authors suggest that the introduction of the fungus from Europe into North America is the likely cause of white nose syndrome among North American bats.
Researchers don’t know how the fungus may have spread from Europe to the U.S. There has been some speculation that visitors to caves carried a few of the spores on their clothes or shoes...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
April 9, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Garfield commissioners sign joint oil shale resolution"
(See related stories here)
John Stroud:
"“This resolution has a very negative tone … which just takes away from the real issue,” he said.
The multi-county position statement supports the 2008 BLM decision, approved in the waning days of the Bush administration. A draft version of the resolution came out of a late March meeting of county commissioners from the affected counties.
It takes the BLM to task for what the affected view as listening more closely to “anti-oil-shale and pro-wilderness groups” in revising the oil shale plan. The revised EIS was required in a 2009 legal settlement between the BLM and 13 environmental groups that filed suit over the Bush-era plan.
“Are there some harsh words in here? Yes there are,” Commissioner Mike Samson said in supporting the resolution. “We're tired of things being done against us, so there is some resentment on our part.
“Maybe that's what it takes to get Congress's attention, and to take us serious,” he said. “Instead of fighting energy development at every step of the way, we're saying, please work with us.”
Commissioner Tom Jankvosky has been the lead representative for Garfield County, as an official cooperating agency, working with the BLM on the EIS revision. He said the BLM's preferred alternative wasn't even contemplated until late in the game last fall.
“There are some radical things stated here,” he said of the resolution. “But it's meant to say that if we can't have some reasonable process for oil shale research and development, then we set ourselves up for a rush to drill in the future. Then we will all be very drastically impacted.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
John Stroud:
"“This resolution has a very negative tone … which just takes away from the real issue,” he said.
The multi-county position statement supports the 2008 BLM decision, approved in the waning days of the Bush administration. A draft version of the resolution came out of a late March meeting of county commissioners from the affected counties.
It takes the BLM to task for what the affected view as listening more closely to “anti-oil-shale and pro-wilderness groups” in revising the oil shale plan. The revised EIS was required in a 2009 legal settlement between the BLM and 13 environmental groups that filed suit over the Bush-era plan.
“Are there some harsh words in here? Yes there are,” Commissioner Mike Samson said in supporting the resolution. “We're tired of things being done against us, so there is some resentment on our part.
“Maybe that's what it takes to get Congress's attention, and to take us serious,” he said. “Instead of fighting energy development at every step of the way, we're saying, please work with us.”
Commissioner Tom Jankvosky has been the lead representative for Garfield County, as an official cooperating agency, working with the BLM on the EIS revision. He said the BLM's preferred alternative wasn't even contemplated until late in the game last fall.
“There are some radical things stated here,” he said of the resolution. “But it's meant to say that if we can't have some reasonable process for oil shale research and development, then we set ourselves up for a rush to drill in the future. Then we will all be very drastically impacted.”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 26, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "BLM Approves $300,000 for Wild Horse Rangelands"
Cori Coffin:
"Bureau of Land Management officials approved nearly $300,000 for 12 projects aimed at improving western rangeland.
The areas officials are focusing on are lands where wild horses and burros roam...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Bureau of Land Management officials approved nearly $300,000 for 12 projects aimed at improving western rangeland.
The areas officials are focusing on are lands where wild horses and burros roam...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 19, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Delta County Independent "BLM’s preliminary EA disappoints oil and gas opponents in North Fork "
Ok, everyone. Please do not flood the email contact box with your views of 'Nanny' going off-topic on her related links within this post.
First, because she's the boss and if she wants to go off-topic, she can.
Second, there is a relevant point and reason for the wide spread of links. No, Bill Koch (to our current knowledge) is not going to be out there buying up all these leases at auction. (He probably should though, he does have momentum going and it's a worthwhile for all American energy independence if he does. Besides, the North Fork enviro groups couldn't like him any less than they already do, now could they? Sheesh. And they've probably never even met the guy in person.) There are dozens of links to specific to these leases stories she could have chosen. So, google away on your own to find those.
That point is that it doesn't matter who it is. Doesn't matter how environmentally conscious these drilling companies are. Doesn't mean a thing how much vetting and regulatory guidelines are put on to their drilling activities.
These kinds of enviro 'terrorist' tactics and groups are going to believe what they wish to believe, could care less what the facts really are and have already made up their minds. All they can hope to do is get in front of microphones and cameras. Without a thought or care for who they hurt during their 5 minutes of fame.
A special thank you goes out to the BLM. SandBox is sure you'll handle the sale of these leases in a conscientious manner.
(See related stories here, here, here, here, here and here)
Kathy Browning:
"If the expectation was that following the initial comment period, BLM would remove all or most of the parcels from its oil and gas lease auction in August, it was dashed last Wednesday with the release of the BLM's preliminary Environment Assessment.
The BLM intends to go ahead with the August auction.
Parcels in municipal watersheds or bordering schools and homes appear to be intact. Some parcels have been trimmed and one was removed.
"The only realistic way to stop oil and gas development now is through litigation," said one disappointed North Fork Valley resident. However, both BLM and Citizens for a Healthy Committee are urging the public to send more comments...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
First, because she's the boss and if she wants to go off-topic, she can.
Second, there is a relevant point and reason for the wide spread of links. No, Bill Koch (to our current knowledge) is not going to be out there buying up all these leases at auction. (He probably should though, he does have momentum going and it's a worthwhile for all American energy independence if he does. Besides, the North Fork enviro groups couldn't like him any less than they already do, now could they? Sheesh. And they've probably never even met the guy in person.) There are dozens of links to specific to these leases stories she could have chosen. So, google away on your own to find those.
That point is that it doesn't matter who it is. Doesn't matter how environmentally conscious these drilling companies are. Doesn't mean a thing how much vetting and regulatory guidelines are put on to their drilling activities.
These kinds of enviro 'terrorist' tactics and groups are going to believe what they wish to believe, could care less what the facts really are and have already made up their minds. All they can hope to do is get in front of microphones and cameras. Without a thought or care for who they hurt during their 5 minutes of fame.
A special thank you goes out to the BLM. SandBox is sure you'll handle the sale of these leases in a conscientious manner.
(See related stories here, here, here, here, here and here)
Kathy Browning:
"If the expectation was that following the initial comment period, BLM would remove all or most of the parcels from its oil and gas lease auction in August, it was dashed last Wednesday with the release of the BLM's preliminary Environment Assessment.
The BLM intends to go ahead with the August auction.
Parcels in municipal watersheds or bordering schools and homes appear to be intact. Some parcels have been trimmed and one was removed.
"The only realistic way to stop oil and gas development now is through litigation," said one disappointed North Fork Valley resident. However, both BLM and Citizens for a Healthy Committee are urging the public to send more comments...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
March 18, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "BLM approves Oxbow coal lease addition"
Sincere congratulations to Bill Koch on this.
Dennis Webb:
"The Bureau of Land Management today approved a coal lease modification that it says will allow continuation of mining adjacent to an existing federal lease at the Elk Creek Mine in Somerset.
The action adds about 159 acres to a lease owned by Oxbow Mining, LLC, and will prevent bypassing of about 555,000 recoverable tons of federal coal, the BLM said in a news release...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Dennis Webb:
"The Bureau of Land Management today approved a coal lease modification that it says will allow continuation of mining adjacent to an existing federal lease at the Elk Creek Mine in Somerset.
The action adds about 159 acres to a lease owned by Oxbow Mining, LLC, and will prevent bypassing of about 555,000 recoverable tons of federal coal, the BLM said in a news release...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 25, 2012
SandBox Comments: Pueblo Chieftain "BLM to consider wetlands expansion "
Matt Hildner:
"ALAMOSA — The Bureau of Land Management is considering expanding protection for a string of wetlands in eastern Alamosa County.
The agency will host a meeting Wednesday and seek public comment to help guide its study of the expansion of the Blanca Wetlands Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which currently takes in 8,395 acres.
"The Blanca Wetlands is one of the San Luis Valley's gems," said Andrew Archuleta, who manages the agency's valley office. "The public's input on this project is important in helping shape how we manage this special area...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"ALAMOSA — The Bureau of Land Management is considering expanding protection for a string of wetlands in eastern Alamosa County.
The agency will host a meeting Wednesday and seek public comment to help guide its study of the expansion of the Blanca Wetlands Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which currently takes in 8,395 acres.
"The Blanca Wetlands is one of the San Luis Valley's gems," said Andrew Archuleta, who manages the agency's valley office. "The public's input on this project is important in helping shape how we manage this special area...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
February 11, 2012
SandBox Comments: Delta County Independent "Anti-drilling campaign based on fear, not science"
Sharon Riegel:
"...The leasing prospect has become synonymous with “poisoned water supply” and earthquakes and fracking. None of these events are likely, at least in the Crawford area. For instance the Crawford Town Council is concerned that the town’s spring and water supply will be contaminated. However, according to several reputable petroleum geologists, there is almost a zero chance that any wells would ever be drilled on the flanks of Landsend Mountain. In addition the stratigraphic section that would be penetrated by any wells in the Crawford area does not lend itself to any unconventional resource which might need fracking in order to produce oil and/or gas.
I live in this county, have two grandchildren that live in this county and care about its natural resources and its future. My background includes managing a substantial pollution prevention program for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for eight years and working in the oil and gas industry for 10 years. Following is the letter I submitted to the Bureau of Land Management.
“As a resident of Crawford, I would like to voice my strong support for the oil and gas leasing process in Delta County. I believe the BLM process should go forward and the nomination of leases should not be withdrawn...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"...The leasing prospect has become synonymous with “poisoned water supply” and earthquakes and fracking. None of these events are likely, at least in the Crawford area. For instance the Crawford Town Council is concerned that the town’s spring and water supply will be contaminated. However, according to several reputable petroleum geologists, there is almost a zero chance that any wells would ever be drilled on the flanks of Landsend Mountain. In addition the stratigraphic section that would be penetrated by any wells in the Crawford area does not lend itself to any unconventional resource which might need fracking in order to produce oil and/or gas.
I live in this county, have two grandchildren that live in this county and care about its natural resources and its future. My background includes managing a substantial pollution prevention program for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for eight years and working in the oil and gas industry for 10 years. Following is the letter I submitted to the Bureau of Land Management.
“As a resident of Crawford, I would like to voice my strong support for the oil and gas leasing process in Delta County. I believe the BLM process should go forward and the nomination of leases should not be withdrawn...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."
November 28, 2011
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Aspen Times series: Challenges grow, funds shrink in Aspen's public forest lands"
"Editor's note: The Aspen Times, starting today, is launching a five-part weekly series taking a close look at the major issues facing the White River National Forest. Today's first installment offers a broad overview of those issues, which range from the impacts of tourism on ranchers, to the oil and gas industry's interest in drilling prospects in Pitkin County, to the U.S. Forest Service's handling of the federal budget crisis....."
(Start reading the series? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
October 3, 2011
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Thompson drilling decision ‘months away'"
SandBox Nanny sends out a thank you to John Colson for putting out this factual report. It may not be balanced, but it is not a flamer either.
Maybe, just maybe, we'll all get lucky on this Monday morning and the 'kids' will react in a balanced manner.
As she reads this article and flags the statement by Farris below, she is reminded of an interpretation of Sun Tzu:
"One who does not thoroughly know the harm from employing the military, cannot thoroughly know the advantage from employing the military."
"Some of the leases are set to expire in 2012 or 2013, Farris said, and the coalition worries that unitization would prevent the expiration of those leases..."
(John Colson)
Wonder what would have happened if the Thompson Divide Coalition hadn't agreed to whipping themselves into a frenzy early on in this game over these mineral leases?
Could it be possible that instead of the 'eco-pen 'terrorist' ' tactic they had simply listened and investigated both sides of the controversy; they might have already had a viable solution on the table?
Thank goodness for U.S. Rep. ScottTipton (R-Colorado).
A man who prefers to listen first.
Good luck to all sides on this issue. Maybe the folks will get really lucky and the Thompson Divide Coalition will spend 'these months' educating themselves on the incredible breakthroughs that have been made in environmental drilling.
Jack Canyon and Desolation Canyon out in Utah with Bill Barrett Corp. (and) the work of EnCana come to mind.
(Learn more? Click title or comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
Maybe, just maybe, we'll all get lucky on this Monday morning and the 'kids' will react in a balanced manner.
As she reads this article and flags the statement by Farris below, she is reminded of an interpretation of Sun Tzu:
"One who does not thoroughly know the harm from employing the military, cannot thoroughly know the advantage from employing the military."
"Some of the leases are set to expire in 2012 or 2013, Farris said, and the coalition worries that unitization would prevent the expiration of those leases..."
(John Colson)
Wonder what would have happened if the Thompson Divide Coalition hadn't agreed to whipping themselves into a frenzy early on in this game over these mineral leases?
Could it be possible that instead of the 'eco-pen 'terrorist' ' tactic they had simply listened and investigated both sides of the controversy; they might have already had a viable solution on the table?
Thank goodness for U.S. Rep. ScottTipton (R-Colorado).
A man who prefers to listen first.
Good luck to all sides on this issue. Maybe the folks will get really lucky and the Thompson Divide Coalition will spend 'these months' educating themselves on the incredible breakthroughs that have been made in environmental drilling.
Jack Canyon and Desolation Canyon out in Utah with Bill Barrett Corp. (and) the work of EnCana come to mind.
(Learn more? Click title or comment to start discussion)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
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