The U.S. federal land management agency is set to lease tens of thousands of acres of wilderness in northwest Colorado to oil and gas companies. The sale scheduled for June 16 is poised to be the largest land lease transaction in the state’s modern history.
More than 100 parcels included in the sale lie within areas used by the country’s largest elk herd for migration, feeding, and wintering. These same corridors also serve as migration routes for pronghorn and mule deer, extending southward into Wyoming.
The Region Relies on Tourism and Hunting
A significant portion of the parcels is located in Moffat County, which brands itself as the "Elk Hunting Capital of the World." Hunting is considered a key pillar of the local economy in the county.
Tourism officials in the county have warned that the heavy truck traffic and bright lights associated with fossil fuel extraction could damage the natural character of the area. Tom Kleinschnitz, Moffat County’s tourism director, said this could jeopardize the region’s unique status.
Kleinschnitz emphasized the importance of preserving these lands as undisturbed as possible over the long term. Officials also noted that tourism-related applications have dropped by more than half this spring.
Tensions Near Dinosaur National Monument
About two-thirds of the lands up for sale lie just south of Dinosaur National Monument. Known for its remote and dark night skies, the park is one of more than 40 internationally recognized Dark Sky Places across the country.
Concerns have been raised that increased light pollution and heavy vehicle traffic could threaten this hard-won designation over time. The planned sale also conflicts with previous land management efforts aimed at protecting wildlife.
The report recalls that 2024 plan changes for northwest Colorado strengthened habitat protections for species at risk such as elk, mule deer, and the Gunnison sage-grouse. Nevertheless, the new sale plan pits conservation efforts against renewed pressure for energy development in the region.
