HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.council.030-09RESOLUTION No. 3C~
(Series of 2009)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
PROVIDING FORMAL SUPPORT FOR THE THOMPSON DIVIDE COALITION
WHEREAS, the Thompson Divide Coalition is a broad-based coalition of local landowners,
ranchers, farmers, hunters, anglers, recreationalists, water users, conservationists and local
governments, formed to address mutual concerns regarding the existing oil and gas leases on
federal lands in the Thompson, Fourmile, Muddy and Clear Fork Creek watersheds, and the
headwaters of East Divide Creek, and the potential negative impacts on this rural area associated
with their development.; and
WHEREAS, outdoor recreation and environmental conservation aze at the core of what makes
the Roaring Fork Valley an exceptional place to live and vacation for both local residents and
tourists and this azea offers exceptional recreational opportunities and is regulazly used by bikers,
climbers, hikers, snowmobilers and cross country and back country skiers; and
WHEREAS, the azea of concern is part of a 122,000 acre roadless landscape, which is the largest
contiguous roadless area in the state. These federal lands provide important habitat for wildlife,
and excellent hunting and angling opportunities. The azea has been recognized by the Colorado
Division of Wildlife as high priority habitat for a variety of species. It is part of a critical big
game migration corridor and provides key wildlife security for species such as deer, elk, bear,
and lynx. The entire azea is important elk calving habitat and summer range for big game. In
addition, the Colorado River cutthroat trout (recognized as a Species of Special Concern) is
found in at least one fork of Thompson Creek; and
WHEREAS, energy development in this area is inconsistent with ecological preservation and
would have a deleterious impact on the rural character, natural beauty and serenity of the valley
and would forever ruin the wild. chaaacter and exceptional habitat of this area; and
WHEREAS, recent air monitoring on top of Aspen Mountain showed the highest ozone level
ever recorded on the Western slope and possible sources include gas drilling and traffic. Ozone
poses a significant risk to human health with its effects targeted on the respiratory system and the
City of Aspen City Council desires to protect the health of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Thompson Divide Coalition recognizes the need for energy development;
however it believes it is imperative that energy development occur only in appropriate places and
that it proceed in a responsible manner. The Bureau of Land Management has approved 80
leases on this special landscape, half of which were let in roadless areas without surface
stipulations after the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule was in effect.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN, COLORADO that:
Section 1. The Thompson, Fourmile, Muddy and Clear Fork Creek watersheds, and the
headwaters of East Divide Creek, as well as the local community, environmental and
economic values these areas support deserve preservation and protection; and
Section 2. Energy development on federal lands in these areas is inconsistent with such
preservation and protection, and is indicative of a flawed and irresponsible approach to
energy development; and
Section 3. The City of Aspen supports the efforts of the Thompson Divide Coalition to
explore legislative initiatives and other opportunities to protect these special areas from
energy development.
Dated: ~~ ~ ~~ ~ /
~ ~ ~ S-2p-o
Micha Ireland, Mayor
I, Kathryn S. Koch, duly appointed and acting City Clerk do certify that the foregoing is a
true and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Aspen,
Colorado, at a meeting held i4pw1~3, 2009. ~
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Kat S. Koch, City Clerk