The Bureau of Land Management released its Proposed Resource Management Plan (PRMP) for the Uncompahgre Planning Area, which includes vulnerable and valued communities in the North Fork Valley. The PRMP would open 95% of public lands and minerals within the area to oil and gas operations. This proposal has the potential to harm the region’s ecological — including human — health and safety, as well as the valley’s farming and recreation economy.

The North Fork Valley is sustained by the North Fork of the Gunnison River; the economy is built on family-run agriculture, including organic vineyards, ranches, farms, as well as a tourism industry that draws visitors to the Valley’s outdoor recreation opportunities, including whitewater adventures and hunting experiences. This beautiful corner of Colorado also hosts a vibrant ecosystem. Mule deer, elk, Canada lynx, yellow-billed cuckoo, bald eagle, and greenback cutthroat trout all thrive in this region and, similar to the residents of the Valley, are deeply dependent on the Gunnison’s freshwaters.

Time is running out to do something. Governor Polis has had a certain amount of time in which to decide to review the BLM’s plan. Only a few days are left for that decision to be made. It’s imperative that we let Governor Polis know what’s at stake in the North Fork Valley and why the BLM’s PRMP endangers the region’s ecological safety, health, and economy.

We’re asking you to write to Governor Polis now! You can use the message provided here, or you can put it in your own words. (Note: It always counts for more when you put it in your own words!) There is no time to waste. Please write now!