Steve Belinda Scott Stewart Senior Energy Advisor HLR General Manager 307-231-3128 970-208-9302 sbelinda@thehighlonesomeranch.com sstewart@thehighlonesomeranch.com  

Goal:  Demonstrate how energy development and natural resources conservation can be accomplished simultaneously.    Objectives: Implement the recommendations and principles developed by the TRCP and its conservation partners

Provide a real-world example of energy development that prevents major habitat and biodiversity loss using scientific approaches to wildlife management and mitigation

Reduce conflict, build local partnerships, change policy, and serve as a model for similar projects elsewhere.

Landscape-Level Responsible Energy Development

High Lonesome Ranch and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Demonstration Project Update – April 2013

In 2011, the High Lonesome Ranch (HLR) and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) forged a unique partnership to establish a demonstration project as a pilot for responsible energy development at the landscape scale. The TRCP’s “FACTS for Fish and Wildlife” outlined recommendations for responsible and balanced energy development that also addresses the needs of fish, wildlife and sportsmen. The HLR, located in northwestern Colorado, provided the opportunity to show how working landscapes can be managed in perpetuity for sustainable, ethical and profitable uses that include energy development.   The HLR/TRCP partnership provides a model for others to follow.  

Undisturbed Ridge tops on the High Lonesome Ranch

 

Development in nearby Piceance Basin

 

KEY PRIORITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2012 Sage Grouse Conservation Approximately 12,000 acres of habitat has been identified as “Priority Sage Grouse Habitat” on the northern part of the HLR, of which approximately 4,000 acres is HLR deeded acres. HLR has submitted a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) for greater sage grouse plan to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Work is under way to include the BLM and other property owners to conserve the entire 12,000 acres. Conservation measures will be developed using the best available science on impacts of energy, grazing, and human recreation.

Mule Deer Conservation and Habitat Work The HLR is working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Mule Deer Foundation, and energy companies to launch a regional mule deer habitat initiative to improve conditions and functionality of preferred habitats, particularly winter range. This should reduce the impacts of energy development resulting in an increased mule deer population on HLR lands. Opportunity also exists to work with CPW on the new Colorado Habitat Exchange – a program based on mitigation banking and conservation credits – that includes mule deer as one of its featured species.

Stakeholder Group Formation and Relationships The HLR has established a regional stakeholders group to help guide development of this landscape-level energy approach and coordinate conservation activities. Local problems need local solutions, and stakeholder groups can provide the means for collaborative problem solving instead of a fractured, conflict-ridden approach. This group will play a key role in changing the way energy and conservation is done and encourage the use of conservation tools and regulatory mechanisms in order to provide operational certainty for the HLR and other stakeholders.

OPPORTUNITIES IN 2013 Resource Management Plans/Land Use Planning Coordination with the BLM The Grand Junction Field Office of the BLM released its draft resource management plan revision in January 2013 that will guide the region’s public land conservation and energy development for the next 20 years. HLR will work with the BLM and other stakeholders to ensure that the HLR Landscape Energy project and conservation activities are part of the BLM’s preferred alternative. Energy Industry Coordination on Leasing/Development Numerous energy companies have expressed interest in working with the HLR allowing the ranch to work with industry on a landscape-level approach, reduce potential conflicts, and to raise the standard for energy development through cooperative planning and adherence to conservation measures that reduce impacts and promote development. Working Lands for Wildlife In 2012, the Natural Resources Conservation Service launched a program called “Working Lands for Wildlife” that provides incentives to private landowners to conserve habitat for eight species of concern for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Through Farm Bill conservation programs and work with the USFWS, the HLR can demonstrate the success of this new program, as well as gaining operational certainty for HLR ranch and energy development activities for up to 30 years.