Deal Protects Most of Roan Plateau …With a Catch

CARBONDALE, Colo. – The Roan Plateau rises more than 3,000 feet above the Colorado River Valley, north of Rifle, and boasts prime wildlife habitat, wilderness characteristics, and rare plant species. It also sits atop an estimated 8.9 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas. In November, after more than a decade of public controversy and litigation, a compromise was struck that could lay the groundwork for a management plan that allows energy extraction and protects the Roan’s unique environmental qualities. But, as KDNK’s Amy Hadden Marsh reports, the deal isn’t quite done.

Michael Freeman, attorney with Earth Justice,  spoke with KDNK‘s Amy Hadden Marsh about this settlement and what it means for the future of the Roan Plateau.

This story was produced by Amy Hadden Marsh at KDNK in Carbondale, Colo.

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