BLM Notice of Competitive Oil & Gas Lease Sale

In November 2007, SER CD was made aware of the BLM’s announcement of a Notice of Competitive Oil & Gas Lease Sale.  Offered for lease in this announcement were 13 parcels totaling 28,000 acres in the Upper North Platte Valley near Encampment.  Through a series of public meetings, residents were informed of the BLM’s announcement and the implications of leasing federal minerals located under private surface ownership which is also known as split estate.  Roughly one-half of the total acreage offered is split estate.  (For more information on split estate go to www.wyominglandowners.org).  The public, various organizations, County Commissioners, municipalities and SER CD submitted letters to the BLM, the Wyoming Congressional Delegation, and Governor Freudenthal.  The leases were withdrawn from the December 4, 2007

lease auction.

Rawlins BLM Field Manager, Patrick Madigan, informed SER CD the leases could be put up for auction again in April 2008.  With that in mind, SER CD and some participants from earlier public meetings began a telephone campaign to notify the public of the possibility the leases would be auctioned again.  Interested parties were also urged to write letters voicing their concerns.

SER CD is not opposing oil and gas development in the Upper North Platte Valley.  As a conservation district we do encourage proper planning take place prior to any leasing.  Natural resource concerns should be addressed as well as the impacts to agriculture and the local economy.  Oil and gas development can occur without sacrificing the resources that are important to all of us.

Wildlife Habitat Projects Sign-Up—Deadline April 25th

The NRCS is offering a sign-up for ag producers interested in wildlife habitat projects.  Of special interest are those that involve wetland restoration and enhancement, riparian buffers, sagebrush and mountain shrub community health, stream restoration, removal of fish barriers or aspen stand regeneration.

Producers may submit applications for Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) funding to NRCS by April 25, 2008.  Applications are available at the NRCS Office located at 101 Cypress Avenue in Saratoga. Please call Mark Shirley, District Conservationist, for more information at 326-5657 ext. 101.

In addition to wildlife projects, NRCS works with ag producers to develop conservation plans that address the full range of resource concerns, including grazing health, irrigation water management, forest management, soil erosion and water quality.  Financial assistance is often available to help producers implement their plans. 

Water Is Life! National Stewardship Week –April 27th-May 4th

 Since 1955, the National Association of Conservation Districts has recognized the last week in April to promote awareness of natural resources.  SER CD will be visiting schools to educate students on the importance of water resources and good stewardship. 

The theme for this year is “Water is Life”.  This theme is truly one which is evident here in Carbon County.  Water is the most valuable resource we have.  The current issue regarding the Change of Use Petition on Page 1 which

will impact our water really does make the statement clear—Water Is Life!

The watershed you live in is a dynamic and unique place.  It is a complex web  of natural resources-soil, water, air, plants and animals.  Our well being and economic livelihood depend on our water resources!