sanddunes.jpgKRCC out of Colorado Springs posted this radio report featuring Aurielle Anhara of the San Luis Valley who discusses the potential of natural gas drilling in the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. Anhara recently filmed a documentary entitled Rural Impact which explores some of the impacts to rural Colorado communities that have come of by way of the introduction of oil and gas industry activity to those areas.

Located about 70 miles south of Buena Vista, the Baca National Wildlife Refuge was established four years ago as part of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. The federal government owns the surface rights to the refuge but the mineral rights are owned by the Canadian company, Lexam Energy Exploration. Residents of the area are working to get drilling permits halted at least temporarily so that an agreeable management plan can be established. A draft environmental impact statement is available on the Fish and Wildlife Service website and public comment regarding the issue is open from now until March 2.

Check out the following links for more information:

Photo: Great Sand Dunes National Monument adjacent to the Baca National Wildlife Refuge near Crestone, Colorado. istockphoto.com

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