
In Colorado, mining and drilling threaten the ecosystems of the Thompson Divide
The Thompson Divide in Colorado’s White River National Forest is facing threats from mining and oil and gas drilling — endangering the wildlife and ecosystems that call the place home.

In the beautiful backcountry of White River National Forest, wild aspen wind between the mountains along the Crystal River, brightening to golden hues in autumn. Abundant wildlife amble through the Thompson Divide, including lynx, black bears, bighorn sheep and elk.
But industries threaten to ravage this Colorado landscape by mining its mountains for coal and drilling for oil and gas.
Pristine ecosystems threatened by mining
The Thompson Divide sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Endangered Canada lynx bound through the snow and black bears dig their dens. Tremendous herds of elk roam and graze in this wilderness.
There has already been more than a century of mining in this area, polluting the air and water. And despite having leases revoked recently, oil and gas companies are eager to drill. More mining and new drilling would pollute its rivers and break up critical habitat.
In addition to scores of wildlife, this area is a favorite for hikers, sportsmen and anglers, from stunning scenic views to rivers teeming with trout.
The Thompson Divide needs our help
Protecting Thompson Divide will preserve its ecological importance, maintain the benefits of trees to local air quality, and allow visitors to enjoy its unspoiled scenery.
Recognizing how special this place is, Secretary Deb Haaland proposed protecting nearly 225,000 acres of the Thompson Divide area from mining and drilling for the next 20 years. Environment Colorado delivered nearly 10,000 petitions to the Bureau of Land Management in support of their proposal to protect the Thompson Divide. But now the Forest Service needs to conduct an environmental assessment.
Topics
Authors
Ellen Montgomery
Director, Public Lands Campaign, Environment America
Ellen runs campaigns to protect America's beautiful places, from local beachfronts to remote mountain peaks. She sits on the Steering Committee of the Arctic Defense Campaign and co-coordinates the Climate Forests Campaign. Ellen previously worked as the organizing director for Environment America’s Climate Defenders campaign and managed grassroots campaign offices across the country. Ellen lives in Denver, where she likes to hike in Colorado's mountains.
Sammy Herdman
Former Save The Boreal Forest Campaign, Associate, Environment America