GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.—Managers of the 2.3 million-acre White River National Forest, Colorado’s largest, are writing a new plan to decide where oil and gas drilling can occur on the public land.
Forest officials will write a new environmental analysis that will update which areas in the western Colorado forest can be leased for energy development. They’re taking public comments on the plan until July 30.
The White River National Forest encompasses some of Colorado’s premier ski areas, including the Aspen and Vail resorts.
The forest also has pockets of oil and gas drilling. Forest official David Francomb says about 130,000 acres have been leased, but not all developed. There are currently 82 wells in the forest.
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Online:
White River National Forest Oil, Gas Leasing Environmental Impact Statement:
