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ASPEN, Colo.—Pitkin County commissioners are urging the White River National Forest to close the public land to new oil and gas leasing as existing leases expire.
The commissioners have written a letter to forest managers saying that the 2.3 million-acre forest in western Colorado surrounds Aspen and Pitkin County and is important to tourism and recreation. The letter acknowledges the need for the oil and gas industry, but says the undeveloped land that provides recreation is central to the county’s economy.
The White River forest is updating its regulations for oil and gas leasing. Forest officials are writing an environmental analysis and are taking comments from the public.
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Information from: Post Independent,
