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Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
is BLM’s premier archeological monument, with at least
20,000 documented archeological sites. But most of the Monument’s
165,000 acres are already leased for oil, gas, and carbon dioxide
extraction. Pending drilling proposals could sink new wells in
the heart  of unparalleled cultural resource districts.
The San Juan National Forest recently granted
approval for dozens of new wells in and around the 35,000-acre
HD Mountains Roadless Area. The HD Mountains comprise the last,
large low-elevation roadless area in the San Juan Mountains,
host the last, best stands of old-growth ponderosa pine forests,
and provide critical winter range to thriving herds of deer and
elk.
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landowners and communities for responsible regulation of the oil and gas industry. Major concerns focus on the impacts from oil and gas development near homes and farms, and the impact of industrial scale oil and gas development on public lands managed by BLM and the Forest Service.
Industry
continues its relentless push for more drilling with recent applications
to double the density of existing wells, doubling the current one
well per 160 acres to the new density of one well per 80 acres.
BP has gained approval for 700 new wells in La Plata County, and
companies are pushing for increased drilling in Archuleta County.
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