Shale Development: Oil and Gas on Steroids

Currently in the San Juan Basin, there are shale gas proposals and test wells in the center of the basin in northern New Mexico and in Montezuma and Dolores Counties in Colorado. Leases, most probably for shale, have been proposed in La Plata, Dolores and San Miguel counties, and in the Chama River Valley. Shale underlies much of the region, and only time will show where development will be proposed.

New Plan to Protect Dolores River Native Fish

This summer marked the release of the Lower Dolores River Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. The plan lays out opportunities to stabilize and improve three native fish populations that have plummeted in the Lower Dolores River since McPhee Dam went into full operation in the late 1990s.

Act Introduced to Protect Hermosa Creek

Senator Michael Bennet introduced the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act in the Senate in July 2012, a major step towards permanent protection for the watershed just north of Durango.

Future of Coal Plants in Question

Due primarily to the Regional Haze Program under the Clean Air Act and the rising cost of coal-generated electricity, the future of two northwest New Mexico coal plants is very much in question. The utility owners of these plants face significant decisions concerning their willingness to invest in pollution controls.

"Pillage at Wolf Creek" Rises Again

The public comment period for a new Wolf Creek Draft Environmental Impact Statement closed October 16, 2012. The latest proposal is for a land swap of 178 acres of privately owned and undevelopable wetlands for 204 acres of public forest. The swap would enable the construction of a resort at 10,000 feet in elevation, to house up to 10,000 people.

Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act Introduced With Bipartisan Support

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Rep. Scott Tipton (R, CO-3) introduced legislation that would protect one of Colorado’s most revered landscapes – the Hermosa Creek watershed in the San Juan National Forest. The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act would protect more than 100,000 acres of incredible wildlife habitat and ensure the future of the area’s wildly popular recreational opportunities. Read More     www.hermosacreek.org

Click here to go to Sen. Bennet's website for the full text of the bill and to view a map of the proposed protections.

Long Overdue Analysis of Four Corners Power Plant Complex Begins

The federal Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement has initiated the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to analyze the coal-fired Four Corners Power Plant, the adjacent Navajo Mine, and transmission corridors.  Read More

Group Works to Increase Resilience of Mixed Conifer

With fires raging in Colorado this summer, awareness has grown dramatically about the connection between forest health and our daily life and well being. Read More

Volunteers Tackle Fen Restoration at Ophir Pass

In summer 2012, the Alliance joined with diverse non-profit, business and agency partners to carry out an intensive hands-on restoration of a 1.6 acre fen at Ophir Pass. A fen is a type of wetland fed primarily by groundwater, rich in nutrients and plants that accumulate to form a deep layer of peat.  Read More

BLM Proposes Leasing Lands for Oil and Gas Development

The Bureau of Land Management is proposing leasing of lands in western La Plata County and eastern Montezuma County, primarily south of Highway 160 in the area from Hesperus to Mancos Hill. The proposed lease areas also include parcels adjacent to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. SJCA has been actively involved in evaluating the leases, providing detailed comments to the BLM, and providing information to our members and interested citizens. Read More

View maps and see where we work