HomeMy WebLinkAbout20252134.tiffUnited States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Colorado State Office
www.blm.gov
July 7, 2025
Notice of Competitive
Oil and Gas Internet Lease Sale
1 PAGE OF DOCUMENT
INCLUDED IN PAPER FILE.
REMAINDER RETAINED
ELECTRONICALLY IN TYLER.
In accordance with the Mineral Leasing Act, as amended by the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal year 2015 (Pub. L. 113-291; 128 Stat. 3762) (Dec. 19, 2014), the Inflation Reduction
Act 2022, and the BLM regulations at 43 CFR 3120, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is
offering 14 parcel(s) containing 7895.030 acres in Colorado for internet-based competitive oil and
gas leasing. This notice describes:
• The date, time, and place of the sale;
• How to participate in the bidding process;
• The sale process;
• The conditions of the sale; and
• How to file a protest
Attached is a list of lands we are offering by serial number, parcel number, and land
description. We have included any stipulations, lease notices, special conditions or restrictions that
will be made a part of the lease at the time we issue it. We have also identified those parcels where
the United States owns less than 100% interest in the oil and gas mineral rights and less than
16.67% royalty interest.
For your convenience, additional sale documentation is located on https://nflss.blm.gov/s/.
When and where will the sale take place?
When: The sale date is September 9, 2025. The open bidding period will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Mountain Time (MT) / 9:00 a.m. Central Time (CT). Each parcel will have its own unique open
bidding period, with start and stop times clearly identified on the auction website. The open bidding
period for each parcel will run for 1 hour(s), from start to finish, and bids will only be accepted
during a parcel's open bidding period.
Where: The sale is held online at https://www.energvnet.com/. Click on the Government Lease
Sales icon to view this online lease sale. Parcels may be viewed online at the EnergyNet website
approximately 10 business days after the posting of this Notice of Competitive Oil and Gas Internet
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Based Lease Sale on the National Fluids Lease Sale System (NFLSS) website at
https://nflss.blm.gov/s/.
Access: The auction website is open to the public. The internet-based lease sale can be observed
in real-time. However, you must register as a bidder on the website, in advance, to submit bids for
a parcel. The auction website will be active and available for use approximately 10 days after the
date of this Notice of Competitive Lease Sale and will remain available for viewing until the
completion of the auction. The available parcels listed in this Notice will be detailed on the
website. Interested parties may visit the website at any time.
Potential bidders may register for the online auction as soon as the auction website is
active. Further, potential bidders are encouraged to visit the website prior to the start of the open
bidding period to become familiar with the site and review the bidding tutorial. Supporting
documentation is available on the website to familiarize new users with the process and answer
frequently asked questions.
How will the sale be conducted?
The sale will be conducted by online bidding only. The online auction will be a sequential,
ascending clock, fixed period, English auction. Each parcel will have its own unique open bidding
period, with start and stop times clearly identified on the auction website. The open bidding period
for each parcel will run for 1 hour(s), from start to finish. Bids will only be accepted for each parcel
during its open bidding period. Each parcel will close bidding sequentially so that each bidder will
know if they are the highest winning bid before subsequent parcels close. The website will display
each current high bid, and the high bid bidder's number. The winning bid is the highest bid per acre
received, equal to or exceeding the minimum acceptable bid, which is on record in the online
auction system by the close of the auction period.
The online system allows participants to submit maximum bids to enable a bidder to participate in
the online auction without having to be logged into the website at the time the auction period
closes. The auction website provides a full explanation of placing maximum bids, as well as an
explanation of how the bids are placed on your behalf to maintain your high bidder status up to the
selected maximum bid amount. The BLM strongly encourages potential bidders to review the
bidding tutorial, in the Frequently Asked Questions area on the auction web site in advance of the
online lease sale.
How do I participate in the bidding process?
To participate in the BLM bidding process, you must register and obtain a bidder number. A
participant can register to bid at the auction website https://www.energynet.com/ approximately 10
days after posting of this Notice on the NFLSS website. Participants are encouraged to register
early, to familiarize themselves with the bidding instructions and ensure they have ample time to
complete all required registration steps before the open bidding period commences.
If an entity is bidding for more than one party, they must register separate credentials, satisfy all
registration requirements and obtain a separate bidder number for each company or individual
they wish to represent.
You do not have to be "present" in the auction to participate as a bidder. The online auction
provides a "maximum bid" bidding option. By using this "maximum bid" option, you are asking
the system to bid automatically on your behalf, up to an amount you specify.
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When registering as a bidder on the auction website, you will be required to sign a statement to
confirm any bid you cast will represent a good -faith intention to acquire an oil and gas lease and
you understand any winning bid will constitute a legally binding commitment to accept the terms
of the lease and pay monies owed. Further, you will acknowledge, through self -certification of the
enhanced bidder form, that you understand it is a crime under 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 43 U.S.C. 1212
to knowingly and willfully make any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations
regarding your qualifications; bidder registration and intent to bid; acceptance of a lease; or
payment of monies owed; and that any such offense may result in a fine or imprisonment for not
more than 5 years or both. You will also acknowledge that you understand it is a crime under 30
U.S.C. 195 (a) and (b) to organize or participate in any scheme to defeat provisions of the mineral
leasing regulations. Any person who knowingly violates this provision will be punished by a fine
of not more than $500,000, imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both.
If you, or the party you represent, owe the United States any monies due the day of a previous oil
and gas lease auction conducted by any BLM office (the minimum monies owed the day of sale),
or any monies owed EnergyNet for a previous oil and gas lease auction conducted by EnergyNet
for any BLM office, you will not be allowed to register to bid at this lease sale.
The Mineral Leasing Act requires that leases be issued to a "responsible qualified bidder" (30
U.S.C. 226(b)(1)(A)). Any bidder, or party represented by a bidding agent, that does not pay the
minimum monies owed the day of the sale is not a "responsible qualified bidder" and will be barred
from participating in any oil and gas lease auction nationwide until the bidder settles that debt to
the United States. In addition, if you or the party you represent defaults at any three sales
conducted by any BLM office, you or the party you represent will be barred permanently from
participating in any other BLM oil and gas lease sale auction.
Provisions Pertaining to Certain Transactions by Foreign Persons Involving Real Estate in the
United States
The Office of Investment Security, Department of the Treasury issued a final rule, effective
February 13, 2020, establishing regulations to implement the provisions relating to real estate
transactions in section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended by the Foreign
Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018. The final rule was published at 85 Fed. Reg.
3158 (Jan. 17 2020) and codified at 31 C.F.R. part 802.
The rule sets forth the process relating to the national security review by the Committee on Foreign
Investment in the United States (CFIUS) of certain transactions, referred to in the rule as "covered
real estate transactions," that involve the purchase or lease (including an assignment or other
transfer) by, or concession to, a foreign person of certain real estate in the United States. Covered
real estate transactions could include some transactions involving the Federal mineral estate.
The CFIUS looks not only at the entities that are lessees, but also to any [legal] person with the
ability to exercise control, as defined by the statute and its implementing regulations, over the
lessee. CFIUS is authorized to review covered real estate transactions and to mitigate any risk to
the national security of the United States that arises as a result of such transactions. This could
result in the modification, suspension, or prohibition of a lease or interest therein.
Accordingly, BLM recommends that each potential bidder, lessee, or [other] interest holder review
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the final rule before bidding on or acquiring an interest in a Federal oil and gas lease.
For further information, please refer to the CFIUS page:
https://home.treasury. gov/policy-issues/international/the-committee-on-foreign-investment-in-the-
united-states-cfius
What is the sale process?
Starting at the posted opening date and time for each parcel:
All bids are on the gross (total) per -acre basis, rounded up to whole acres, for the
entire acreage in the parcel. If a parcel contains fractional acreage, round it up to the
next whole acre. For example, a parcel of 100.51 acres requires a minimum bid of
$1,010 ($10 x 101 acres).
All bids start at the minimum acceptable bid of $10 per acre, or fraction of an acre,
thereof.
All bids are made in minimum increments of $1.00 per acre, or fraction of an acre
thereof.
The winning bid is the highest received bid, equal to or exceeding the minimum
acceptable bid, which is on record in the online auction system at the close of the
auction period.
You cannot withdraw a bid once a bid is placed and the auction system determines you
are the high bidder.
The decision of the BLM, as presented on the auction website's bid history at
https://www.energynet.com, is final.
How long will the sale last?
Each parcel will have its own unique open bidding period, with start and stop times clearly
identified on the auction website. The open bidding period for each parcel will run for 1 hour(s),
from start to finish. The length of the sale depends on the number of parcels we are offering.
What conditions apply to the lease sale?
• Parcel withdrawal or sale postponement: We reserve the right to withdraw any or
all parcels before the sale begins. If we withdraw a parcel or a sale is postponed, we
will post a notice on the NFLSS website, on the auction website, and post
information in the Colorado State Office Information Access Center (Public Room)
before the sale begins.
• Fractional mineral interests: 43 CFR 3120.12(d) We will indicate in the parcel
listing if the United States owns less than 100 percent of the oil and gas mineral
interest for the land(s) in a parcel. When we issue the lease, it will be for the
percentage or fraction of interest the United States owns. However, the bonus bid
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and advance rental payment is calculated based on the gross (total) acreage in the
parcel, not the United States net interest. For example, if a parcel contains 199.31
acres and the United States owns 50 percent of the oil and gas mineral interest, the
minimum bonus bid will be $2,000 ($10 x 200 acres) and the advance first year
annual rental will be $600 ($3.00 x 200 acres) for the first 2 years and $1,000 ($5.00
x 200 acres) for lease years 3 thru 8 and $3,000 ($15.00 x 200 acres) for the
remainder of the lease term. Conversely, your chargeable acreage and royalty on
production will be calculated on the United States net acreage.
• Fractional royalty interests: We will indicate as part of the parcel listing if the
United States owns less than 16.67 percent of the oil and gas royalty interest for the
land(s) in a parcel. When we issue the lease, it will be for the percentage or fraction
of interest the United States owns.
• Payment due: You cannot withdraw a bid. Your bid is a legally binding contract. For
each parcel you are the successful high bidder, on the day the parcel closes you
must pay the minimum bonus bid of $10 per acre or fraction of an acre; the
first year's advance rental of $3.00 per acre or fraction of an acre; and a non-
refundable administrative fee of $3,100.00. These are monies you owe the United
States, whether or not a lease is issued. You must provide notification of the
payment process of these monies to the BLM Colorado State Office prior to 4
p.m. Mountain Standard Time, the day the auction closes, confirmation (via
email or fax) that the payment for the parcel(s) has been initiated and the type
of payment method. Payment will be made directly to the BLM Colorado State
Office, or as otherwise directed by the BLM. Payments to the BLM will not be
made through the auction website. At the conclusion of each parcel's bidding
period, the winning bidder will be provided instructions by the online auction
system on how to make the required payment to the BLM. You will be required to
pay the buyer's premium to EnergyNet, 1.5% of any successful bid, in order to
participate in the internet-based lease sale.
If your bonus bid was more than $10 per acre or fraction of an acre and you do not pay
the full amount on the day of the sale for the parcel, you must pay any balance due by
the close of business on the 10th working day after the last day of the internet-based
auction closes. Remaining balance will be due in the Colorado State Office by 4:00
p.m. Mountain Standard Time, September 23, 2025. If you do not pay in full by
this date, you lose the right to the lease and all money paid the day of the sale. If
you forfeit a parcel, we may offer it again at a future sale.
The minimum monies owed on the day of the sale for a winning bid are monies owed to
the United States [43 CFR 3120.52(b) and 43 CFR 3120.53(a)]. If we do not receive
notification of the payment process of the minimum monies owed the day of the sale by
the date and time above, the BLM will continue to pursue collection by issuing a bill for
the monies owed and your offer will be rejected. If we do not receive payment by the
bill due date, we will send a demand letter to you that will include additional fees. If we
do not receive payment as requested by the demand letter, the U.S. will immediately
pursue collection by all appropriate methods, and when appropriate, collect late fees,
interest, administrative charges, and assess civil penalties on past -due amounts. "All
appropriate methods" include, but are not limited to, referral to collection agencies and
credit reporting bureaus; salary or administrative offset; offset of Federal and State
payments, including goods or services; and Federal and State tax refund offset; and
retirement payment offset. We may send debts to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
and the IRS may charge them as income to you on Form 1099C, Cancellation of Debt
(Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, as amended; The Debt Collection Improvement
Act of 1996; 31 CFR Part 285).
• Forms of payment: Specific payment instructions will be provided by the online
auction system to winning bidders. You may pay by:
• Personal check, certified check, money order (expedited mailing methods);
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT);
• Automated Clearing House (ACH); and/or
• Credit card (Discover, Visa, American Express, or MasterCard only).
• We cannot accept cash.
To meet the payment requirement, you must provide BLM contacts with confirmation
that the transaction has been initiated on the day the parcel closes before 4:00 p.m. An
email or fax containing confirmation must include but is not limited to the following
appropriate documents: overnight shipping tracking document, a copy of the payment
instrument, and/or a bank provided electronic confirmation of EFT or ACH. Do not
email or fax privacy information.
Please note, in accordance with the Department of Treasury Financial Manual,
Announcement No. A-2014-04, the BLM cannot accept credit card payments for an
amount equal to or greater than $24,999.99. The BLM cannot accept aggregated
smaller amounts to bypass this requirement. An amount owed that exceeds the
maximum dollar amount for a credit card payment transaction may not be split into two
or more payment transactions in the same day by using one or more credit cards. The
BLM does not have Personal Identification Number (PIN) equipment for the purpose of
processing PIN authorized debit cards. All debit card transactions will be processed as
credit cards and the dollar value limits will apply.
If you plan to make your payment using a credit card, you should contact your bank
prior to the sale to let them know that you will be making a substantial charge against
your account. If the credit card transaction is refused, we will try to notify you early
enough so that you can make other payment arrangements; however, we cannotJrant
you any extension of time to provide confirmation of payment to the BLM contacts.
If you pay by check, please make your check payable to: Department of the Interior-
BLM. If a check you have sent to us in the past has been returned for insufficient
funds, we may ask that you give us a guaranteed payment, such as a certified check.
• Bid form: On the day of the sale, if you are a successful winning high bidder, you
must submit (email or fax) to the BLM a properly completed and signed competitive
bid form (Form 3000-2) with the required payment. This form is a legally binding offer
by the prospective lessee to accept a lease and all its terms and conditions. Once you
sign the form, you cannot change it. The online auction system will provide the
successful winning bidder with a Tillable pdf of this bid form and instructions on how to
submit the form to the Colorado State Office after the auction. We will not accept any
bid form that has information crossed out or is otherwise altered. We will not issue a
lease until we receive a signed copy of the bid form in accordance with 43 CFR
3102.40(a).
The bid form will be provided as a part of the bidder registration process and you will
be required to certify that you will complete and execute the form should you be the
winning high bidder at the close of the auction. This notice also includes a copy of the
bid form.
Your completed bid form certifies that:
1. You and/or the prospective lessee are qualified to hold an oil and gas lease
under our regulations 43 CFR 3102.52; and
2. Both of you have complied with 18 U.S.C. 1860, a law that prohibits
unlawful combinations, intimidation of, or collusion among bidders.
•Federal acreage limitations: Qualified individuals, associations, or corporations may
only participate in a competitive lease sale and purchase Federal oil and gas leases
from this office if such purchase will not result in exceeding the state limit of
246,080 acres of public domain land and 246,080 acres of acquired land (30 U.S.C.
184(d)).
For the purpose of chargeable acreage limitations, you are charged with your
proportionate share of the lease acreage holdings of partnerships or corporations in
which you own an interest greater than 10 percent. Lease acreage committed to a
unit agreement, communitization agreement or development contract that you hold,
own or control and was paid in the preceding calendar year is excluded from
chargeability for acreage limitation purposes. The acreage limitations and
certification requirements apply to competitive oil and gas lease bids, transfer of
interest by assignment of record title or operating rights, and options to acquire
interest in leases regardless of whether an individual, association, or corporation has
received additional time under 43 CFR 3101.24, to divest excess acreage acquired
through merger or acquisition.
• Lease Issuance: After we receive the signed bid form, all monies due, and protests
have been resolved, we can issue the lease. Usually, a lease is effective the first day
of the month following the month in which we sign it. If you want your lease to be
effective the first day of the month in which we sign it, you must request in writing
to do this. The request must be received before the lease is signed.
• Lease terms: A lease issued as a result of this sale will have a primary term of 10
years. It will continue beyond its primary term as long as oil or gas in paying
quantities is produced on or for the benefit of the lease. Rental at $3.00 per acre
for the first 2 years, $5.00 per acre for years 3 thru 8, and $15.00 per acre
thereafter is due on or before the anniversary date with the first year's rental
paid to the BLM and subsequent payments paid to the Office of Natural
Resources Revenue (ONRR) each year until production begins. If subsequent
rental payments are not received by ONRR on or before the lease anniversary date
(also known as lease effective date), the lease will automatically terminate by
operation of law. It is strongly recommended to make rental payments at least 7 to
10 days prior to the lease anniversary date. Any lease rental payments misfiled to
the BLM will not be forwarded to ONNR and a misfiled payment does not
constitute an excuse for not making the payment on or before the lease anniversary
date.
The royalty rate that applies to the lands offered in this lease sale is a fixed 16.67
percent. Once a lease is producing, you must pay a royalty of 16.67 percent (or as
the lease is amended) of the value or the amount of production removed or sold
from the lease. This royalty rate supersedes the royalty rate stated in the BLM's
standard lease form (Form 3100-11). You will find other lease terms on the standard
lease form.
• Split Estate: Information regarding leasing of Federal minerals under private surface,
referred to as "Split Estate," is available at the following Washington Office
website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/oil-and-
gas/leasing/split-estate. A Split Estate brochure is available at this site. The brochure
outlines the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of private surface owners and
oil and gas operators in the planning, lease sale, permitting/development, and
operations/production phases of the oil and gas program.
• Stipulations: Stipulations are part of the lease and supersede any inconsistent
provisions of the lease form. They are requirements or restrictions on how you
conduct operations. These stipulations are included in the parcel descriptions on the
attached list.
All Federal oil and gas lease rights are granted subject to applicable laws under
Section 6 of the lease terms including requirements under the Endangered Species
Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. In accordance with Washington Office
(WO) Instruction Memorandum (IM) No. 2002-174, each parcel included in this
lease sale will be subject to the Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation
Stipulation. In accordance with WO IM No. 2005-003, Cultural Resources and
Tribal Consultation, for Fluid Minerals Leasing, each parcel in this sale will be
subject to the Cultural Resource Protection Stipulation.
•Unit and Communitization Agreements: Parcels offered in this Notice may fall
within an authorized Unit or Communitization Agreement. If the parcel falls within
an authorized Unit or Communitization Agreement, the successful bidder may be
required to join the agreement. Any lands included in this Notice that are
determined to be in a unit prior to lease issuance are subject to regulation 43 CFR
3101.30.
How do I submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) Application?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) application is an informal nomination requesting certain lands be
included in an oil and gas competitive lease sale. Regulations pertaining to competitive oil and gas
leasing can be found in 43 CFR 3120. This request must be submitted via the National Fluids
Lease Sale System (NFLSS) at https://nflss.blm.gov/s/.
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A nonrefundable filing fee of $5.00 per acre, or fraction thereof, (rounded up to the
nearest whole acre) is required to be paid to the appropriate BLM State Office prior to
the EOI application being processed.
• The EOI application must contain a complete legal land description (including metes
and bounds description, if applicable).
• Provide proof of Federal mineral ownership (e.g. Deed(s), Patent(s), or other form of
mineral interest conveyance to the United States), if applicable.
• Provide the name and address of all current surface owner(s), if applicable.
If you are submitting an EOI application which includes split estate lands (private surface/federal
minerals), you must provide the name and address of the current private surface owner(s) along
with your EOI application. The BLM will send a courtesy letter to the surface owner(s) providing
notice of the scheduled auction as well as information about the BLM's regulations and procedures
for Federal oil and gas leasing and development on split estate lands. An EOI application that does
not provide the name and address of the private surface owner(s) will not be processed by the
BLM.
All EOI applications, including the name of the nominator, will be made available for public
review and inspection in their entirety.
When is the next competitive oil and gas lease sale scheduled?
We have tentatively scheduled our next competitive sale for December 9, 2025. We can make no
guarantee as to when a given parcel will be offered for competitive sale. We will try to put EOIs in
the earliest possible sale.
How can I find out the results of this sale?
The sale results will be posted on the BLM NFLSS website at https://nflss.blm.gov/s/ and on the
EnergyNet auction website at www.energynet.com. Paper copies are available for viewing or
purchase at the BLM Colorado State Office Information Access Center. Please be advised the name
of the successful high bidder (lessee) of the lease shall be made publicly available.
May I protest the BLM's decision to offer the lands in this Notice for lease?
Yes, under regulation 43 CFR 3120.13, you may protest the inclusion of a parcel listed in this sale
notice. All protests must meet the following requirements:
• We must receive a protest within 30 calendar days of the posting date of this
Notice. All protests must be received no later than 4:00 pm Mountain Standard
Time on August 5, 2025. If our office is not open on the 30th day after the posting,
a protest received on the next day our office is open to the public will be considered
timely filed. We will dismiss a late -filed protest.
• The protest must include a statement of reasons to support the protest. We will
dismiss a protest filed without a statement of reasons.
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• To the extent you submit exhibits or attachments to any submitted protest, you must
provide a summary of the attached documents, and explain why they are important
for us to consider. If the submittal fails to include the requested summary, BLM
may not consider any information in the exhibits or attachments during its decision -
making process.
• A protest must state the interest of the protesting party in the matter, including the
name the name and address of the protesting party, and reference the specific
serial number that is being protested.
• You may file a protest either by hand delivery, by fax, or mailed in hardcopy form.
You may not file a protest by electronic mail. A protest filed by fax must be sent to
(303) 239-3933. We will dismiss a protest sent to a fax number other than the
fax number identified or a protest filed by electronic mail.
• If the party signing the protest is doing so on behalf of an association, partnership, or
corporation, the signing party must reveal the relationship between them. For
example, unless an association authorizes an individual member of its group to act
on their behalf, the individual cannot make a protest in the group's name.
• The protest document must be signed. Unsigned protest documents will be
dismissed.
• Please be advised that all protest information and correspondence shall be made
publicly available.
Any protests, including names and street addresses, you submit will be made available for public
review on the BLM NFLSS website at https://nflss.blm.gov/s/. Individual respondents may request
confidentiality. If you wish to withhold your personal identifiable information from public review
or from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you must state this prominently
at the beginning of your written comment. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by
law. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves
as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public
inspection in their entirety.
If the BLM receives a timely protest of a parcel advertised on this Sale Notice, how does it
affect bidding on the parcel?
We will announce receipt of any protests on the BLM NFLSS website and the auction website prior
to the start of the online auction. We will also announce on the websites a decision to either
withdraw the parcel or proceed with the auction. If the protest is resolved prior to the sale, we will
provide copies of our decision on the BLM NFLSS website at https://nflss.blm.gov/s/.
If I am the high bidder at the sale for a protested parcel, when will the BLM issue my lease?
We will make every effort to decide the protest prior to the sale, but no later than 60 days after the
sale. We will not issue a lease for a protested parcel until the protest is either upheld or denied.
If I am the successful bidder of a protested parcel, may I withdraw my bid and receive a
refund of my first year's rental and bonus bid?
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No. In accordance with BLM regulations (43 CFR 3120.53), you may not withdraw your bid.
If the BLM upholds the protest, how does that affect my competitive bid?
If we uphold a protest and withdraw the parcel from leasing, we will reject your bid and refund the
first year's rental, bonus bid, and administrative fee. The buyer's premium will be handled between
EnergyNet and the buyer. If the decision upholding the protest results in additional stipulations, we
will offer you an opportunity to accept or reject the lease with the additional stipulations. If you do
not accept the additional stipulations, we will reject your bid and refund the first year's rental,
bonus bid, and administrative fee.
If the BLM's decision to uphold the protest results in additional stipulations, may I appeal
that decision?
Yes. An appeal from the State Director's decision must meet the requirements of 43 CFR 4.411 and
Part 1840.
You may file a notice of appeal by paper hardcopy only. The BLM will not accept a notice of
appeal transmitted electronically (e.g., by email, fax, or social media means). Also, the BLM will
not accept a petition for stay that is transmitted electronically (e.g., by email, fax, or social media
means). Even if the BLM has previously corresponded with you by email, fax, or social media
means, the BLM will not accept a notice of appeal transmitted electronically. Both the notice of
appeal and any petition for stay must be received on paper at the office address above.
May I appeal the BLM's decision to deny my protest?
Yes. An appeal from the State Director's decision must meet the requirements of 43 CFR 4.411 and
Part 1840.
You may file a notice of appeal by paper hardcopy only. The BLM will not accept a notice of
appeal transmitted electronically (e.g., by email, fax, or social media means). Also, the BLM will
not accept a petition for stay that is transmitted electronically (e.g., by email, fax, or social media
means). Even if the BLM has previously corresponded with you by email, fax, or social media
means, the BLM will not accept a notice of appeal transmitted electronically. Both the notice of
appeal and any petition for stay must be received on paper at the office address above.
May I withdraw my bid if the protestor files an appeal?
No. If the protestor appeals our decision to deny the protest, you may not withdraw your bid. We
will issue your lease concurrently with the decision to deny the protest. If resolution of the appeal
results in lease cancellation, we will authorize a refund of the bonus bid, rentals, administrative
fees, and EnergyNet's buyer premium, if:
• There is no evidence that the lessee(s) derived any benefit from possession of the
lease during the time they held it; and
• There is no indication of bad faith or other reasons not to refund the rental, bonus bid,
administrative fee, and EnergyNet's buyer premium.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
11
If you have questions on BLM stipulations, lease notices, etc., please contact the appropriate BLM
Field Office for assistance.
If you have questions on another surface management agency's stipulations or restrictions, etc.,
please contact that agency.
For general information about the competitive oil and gas lease sale process, or this Notice of
Competitive Lease Sale, you may e-mail or call: scurtis@blm.gov or (303) 239-3600.
SCOTT CURTIS RTI S Digitally signed by Date: 202 O7 O7SCOTT'
16:01:03 -06'00'
Scott Curtis,
Supervisory Land Law Examiner
Parcels
Colorado
CO -2025-09-0373 Split Estate
COCO106740683
CO, Royal Gorge Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 10 N., R. 59 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 25 W1/2.
Weld County
320 Acres
Rental $960.00
16.67% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
RGFO-CSU-SSSpecies-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Snake Hibernacula
RGFO-CSU-Water-2 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Quality
RGFO-CSU-Wlife-2 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game Winter Range
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
RGFO-LN-Air-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Air Quality
RGFO-LN-Cultural-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for National Historic Preservation Act
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Species Conservation
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-2 BLM Lease Notice LN for Biological Inventory
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-3 BLM Lease Notice LN for South Platte Basin
RGFO-LN-Tribal-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Native American Protection
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-1 BLM Stipulation NSO for Bat Maternity Roosts and
Hibernacula
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-2 BLM Stipulation NSO for Prairie Dog Colonies
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-3 BLM Stipulation NSO for Swift Fox
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-4 BLM Stipulation NSO for Black -Footed Ferret Habitat
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-7 BLM Stipulation NSO for Special Status Plant Species
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-8 BLM Stipulation NSO for Bald Eagle
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-9 BLM Stipulation NSO for Golden Eagle
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-11 BLM Stipulation NSO for Ferruginous Hawk
RGFO-NSO-Water-5 BLM Stipulation NSO for Water Quality
RGFO-NSO-Wlife-6 BLM Stipulation NSO for Raptor Nest
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-3 BLM Stipulation TL for Wintering Bald Eagles
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-5 BLM Stipulation TL for Golden Eagle Nesting
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-8 BLM Stipulation TL for Ferruginous Hawk Nest Sites
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-10 BLM Stipulation TL for Burrowing Owl Nest Sites
13
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-12 BLM Stipulation TL for Mountain Plover Nesting
RGFO-TL-Wlife-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Crucial Winter Habitat
RGFO-TL-Wlife-3 BLM Stipulation TL for Greater Prairie Chicken Lek Sites
RGFO-TL-Wlife-9 BLM Stipulation TL for Migratory Birds
RGFO-TL-Wlife-12 BLM Stipulation TL for Raptor Nesting
EOI #CO00018313
CO -2025-09-0362 Split Estate
COCO106740684
CO, Royal Gorge Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 2 N., R. 63 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 8 NE1/4NE1/4,W1/2NE1/4, NW1/4.
Weld County
280 Acres
Rental $ 840.00
16.67% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
RGFO-SSR-Wlife-4 BLM Stipulation for Raptor Nest Site
RGFO-CSU-SSSpecies-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Snake Hibernacula
RGFO-CSU-Water-2 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Quality
RGFO-CSU-Wlife-2 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game Winter Range
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
RGFO-LN-Air-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Air Quality
RGFO-LN-Cultural-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for National Historic Preservation Act
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Species Conservation
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-2 BLM Lease Notice LN for Biological Inventory
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-3 BLM Lease Notice LN for South Platte Basin
RGFO-LN-Tribal-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Native American Protection
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-1 BLM Stipulation NSO for Bat Maternity Roosts and
Hibernacula
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-2 BLM Stipulation NSO for Prairie Dog Colonies
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-3 BLM Stipulation NSO for Swift Fox
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-4 BLM Stipulation NSO for Black -Footed Ferret Habitat
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-7 BLM Stipulation NSO for Special Status Plant Species
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-8 BLM Stipulation NSO for Bald Eagle
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-9 BLM Stipulation NSO for Golden Eagle
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-11 BLM Stipulation NSO for Ferruginous Hawk
RGFO-NSO-Water-5 BLM Stipulation NSO for Water Quality
RGFO-NSO-Wlife-6 BLM Stipulation NSO for Raptor Nest
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-3 BLM Stipulation TL for Wintering Bald Eagles
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-5 BLM Stipulation TL for Golden Eagle Nesting
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-8 BLM Stipulation TL for Ferruginous Hawk Nest Sites
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-10 BLM Stipulation TL for Burrowing Owl Nest Sites
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-12 BLM Stipulation TL for Mountain Plover Nesting
RGFO-TL-Wlife-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Crucial Winter Habitat
14
RGFO-TL-Wlife-9 BLM Stipulation TL for Migratory Birds
RGFO-TL-Wlife-12 BLM Stipulation TL for Raptor Nesting
EOI #CO00018544
CO -2025-09-6253 Split Estate
COCO106740685
CO, Royal Gorge Field Office, BLM, ACQ
T. 4 S., R. 65 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 31 ALL;
Sec. 32 N1/2, N1/2S1/2.
Arapahoe County
1120 Acres
Rental $3,360.00
16.670% Royalty Rate
Agreements:
COCO221000282 This parcel is within the Colorado Energy and Carbon
Management Commission's (ECMC) Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan (CAP),
approved August 7, 2024, at Cause 535, Case 1490, Docket #221000282 of ECMC
records. Before issuance of a lease for lands within the approved CAP, the successful
bidder may be required to join the Lowry Ranch CAP (43 CFR 3101.3-1).
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
RGFO-CSU-SSSpecies-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Snake Hibernacula
RGFO-CSU-Water-2 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Quality
RGFO-CSU-Wlife-2 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game Winter Range
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
RGFO-LN-Air-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Air Quality
RGFO-LN-Cultural-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for National Historic Preservation Act
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Species Conservation
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-2 BLM Lease Notice LN for Biological Inventory
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-3 BLM Lease Notice LN for South Platte Basin
RGFO-LN-Tribal-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Native American Protection
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-1 BLM Stipulation NSO for Bat Maternity Roosts and
Hibernacula
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-2 BLM Stipulation NSO for Prairie Dog Colonies
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-3 BLM Stipulation NSO for Swift Fox
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-4 BLM Stipulation NSO for Black -Footed Ferret Habitat
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-7 BLM Stipulation NSO for Special Status Plant Species
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-8 BLM Stipulation NSO for Bald Eagle
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-9 BLM Stipulation NSO for Golden Eagle
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-11 BLM Stipulation NSO for Ferruginous Hawk
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-20 BLM Stipulation NSO for Amphibian Breeding Sites
15
RGFO-NSO-Water-4 BLM Stipulation NSO for Water Quality
RGFO-NSO-Water-5 BLM Stipulation NSO for Water Quality
RGFO-NSO-Wlife-6 BLM Stipulation NSO for Raptor Nest
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-3 BLM Stipulation TL for Wintering Bald Eagles
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-5 BLM Stipulation TL for Golden Eagle Nesting
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-8 BLM Stipulation TL for Ferruginous Hawk Nest Sites
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-10 BLM Stipulation TL for Burrowing Owl Nest Sites
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-12 BLM Stipulation TL for Mountain Plover Nesting
RGFO-TL-Wlife-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Crucial Winter Habitat
RGFO-TL-Wlife-9 BLM Stipulation TL for Migratory Birds
RGFO-TL-Wlife-12 BLM Stipulation TL for Raptor Nesting
EOI #CO00018399
CO -2025-09-0363 Split Estate
COCO106740686
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 1 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 5 LOTS 7, 8, 10, 16, 18, 20;
Sec. 5 S1/2NE1/4, N1/2SE1/4;
Sec. 6 LOTS 9, 10, 11, 24, 36, 37, 40, 42.
T. 1 N., R. 97 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 2 LOTS 17, 35.
Rio Blanco County
511.93 Acres
Rental $1,536.00
16.670% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
CO-CSU-GRSG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Greater Sage -grouse General Habitat
Management Area (GHMA), Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA) & Leks
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
WR-CSU-11 BLM Stipulation CSU for Saline Soils
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
WR-CSU-14 BLM Stipulation CSU for Bald Eagle Nest, Roost, & Perch Habitat
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
WR-LN-10 BLM Lease Notice LN for Wild Horse Habitat
16
For the following lands:
T. 1 N., R. 97 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 17, 35;
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
WR-NSO-12 BLM Stipulation NSO for Steep Natural Slopes
WR-NSO-17 BLM Stipulation NSO for Endangered Colorado River Fish
WR-NSO-18 BLM Stipulation NSO for Raptor Nests - Other than Special Status
Raptors (Except Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon)
WR-NSO-19 BLM Stipulation NSO for Special Status Raptor, Golden Eagle, &
Prairie Falcon Nests
WR-NSO-34 BLM Stipulation NSO for Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
For the following lands:
T. 1 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 6 LOTS 24, 36;
T. 1 N., R. 97 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 17, 35;
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
CO-TL-GRSG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Greater Sage -grouse Priority Habitat
Management Area (PHMA) and General Habitat Management Area (GHMA)
WR-TL-15 BLM Stipulation TL for Raptor Nests (Not Considered Special Status
Species)
WR-TL-17 BLM Stipulation TL for Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon Nests
WR-TL-19 BLM Stipulation TL for Bald Eagle Nests
EOI #CO00018678
CO -2025-09-0294 Split Estate
COCO106740687
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 6 LOTS 9 thru 14;
Sec. 6 LOTS 8;
Sec. 6 SW1/4NE1/4, SE1/4NW1/4, E1/2SW1/4, W1/2SE1/4, SE1/4SE1/4;
Sec. 6 SE1/4NE1/4, NE1/4SE1/4.
Rio Blanco County
640.12 Acres
Rental $1,923.00
16.67% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 6 LOTS 9 thru 11, 14, SW1/4NE1/4,
SE1/4NW1/4, E1/2SW1/4, W1/2SE1/4, SE1/4SE1/4;
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 6 LOTS 9, 10, 13, LOTS 8,
SW1/4NE1/4, SE1/4NW1/4, W1/2SE1/4;
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
17
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
WR-NSO-12 BLM Stipulation NSO for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 6 SE1/4SW1/4, W1/2SE1/4,
SE1/4SE1/4;
WR-NSO-35 BLM Stipulation NSO for Tier 1 Areas within Lands with Wilderness
Characteristics Units
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 6 LOTS 9 thru 12;
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
CO-TL-BG-2 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Production High Priority Habitat
(HPH)
EOI #CO00018382
CO -2025-09-6251 Split Estate
COCO106740688
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 15 S1/2;
Sec. 16 NE1/4, N1/2NW1/4, S1/2SW1/4;
Sec. 17 NE1/4;
Sec. 22 NE1/4, E1/2NW1/4, NW1/4NW1/4, N1/2SE1/4.
Rio Blanco County
1160 Acres
Rental $3,480.00
16.670% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
CO-CSU-GRSG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Greater Sage -grouse General Habitat
Management Area (GHMA), Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA) & Leks
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 15 NE1/4SE1/4, W1/2SE1/4,
E1/2SW1/4; Sec. 16 E1/2NE1/4, N1/2NW1/4, S1/2SW1/4; Sec. 17 SE1/4NE1/4; Sec.
22 SE1/4NE1/4, W1/2NE1/4, E1/2NW1/4, N1/2SE1/4;
WR-CSU-11 BLM Stipulation CSU for Saline Soils
For the following lands:
18
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 15 N1/2SW1/4; Sec. 16 E1/2NE1/4,
SW1/4NE1/4, N1/2NW1/4, S1/2SW1/4; Sec. 22 NW1/4NE1/4, E1/2NW1/4,
NW1/4NW1/4, NW1/4SE1/4;
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 16 NW1/4NW1/4; Sec. 17 NE1/4;
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
WR-NSO-12 BLM Stipulation NSO for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 15 E1/2SW1/4; Sec. 16 NE1/4NE1/4,
N1/2NW1/4; Sec. 22 SW1/4NE1/4, E1/2NW1/4;
WR-NSO-18 BLM Stipulation NSO for Raptor Nests - Other than Special Status
Raptors (Except Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon)
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 15 N1/2SE1/4;
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
CO-TL-BG-2 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Production High Priority Habitat
(HPH)
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 15 S1/2; Sec. 16 NE1/4, N1/2NW1/4;
Sec. 17 NE1/4NE1/4; Sec. 22 N1/2NE1/4, SE1/4NE1/4;
CO-TL-GRSG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Greater Sage -grouse Priority Habitat
Management Area (PHMA) and General Habitat Management Area (GHMA)
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 15 W1/2S1/2; Sec. 16 S1/2SW1/4; Sec.
17 NE1/4; Sec. 22 N1/2NW1/4;
WR-TL-15 BLM Stipulation TL for Raptor Nests (Not Considered Special Status
Species)
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 15 N1/2SE1/4, NE1/4SW1/4;
WR-TL-17 BLM Stipulation TL for Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon Nests
EOI #CO00018678
CO -2025-09-6031
COCO106740689
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 3 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal
19
Sec. 18 SE1/4;
Sec. 19 LOTS 5 thru 8;
Sec. 19 E1/2, E1/2W1/2;
Sec. 20 W1/2NW1/4, NW1/4SW1/4;
Sec. 30 LOTS 5;
Sec. 30 NE1/4NW1/4.
Moffat,Rio Blanco County
998.2 Acres
Rental $2,997.00
16.670% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
CO-CSU-GRSG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Greater Sage -grouse General Habitat
Management Area (GHMA), Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA) & Leks
For the following lands:
T. 3 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 18 SE1/4; Sec. 19 S1/2NE1/4,
SE1/4SE1/4; Sec. 20 SW1/4NW1/4, NW1/4SW1/4;
CO-CSU-GRSG-2 BLM Stipulation CSU for Greater Sage -grouse Priority Habitat
Management Area (PHMA)
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 3 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 18 SW1/4SE1/4; Sec. 19 W1/2NE1/4,
SE1/4SSE1/4; Sec. 20 NW1/4SW1/4;
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
For the following lands:
T. 3 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 18 SE1/4; Sec. 19 LOTS 5, 6, 8,
NE1/4NE1/4, S1/2NE1/4, E1/2NW1/4, E1/2SW1/4, SE1/4; Sec. 20 W1/2NW1/4;
Sec. 30 LOTS 5, NE1/4NW1/4;
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
WR-LN-09 BLM Lease Notice LN for Prairie Dog Towns
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
CO-NSO-GRSG-1 BLM Stipulation NSO for Greater Sage -grouse (GRSG) Priority
Habitat Management Area (PHMA)
For the following lands:
T. 3 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 18 SE1/4; Sec. 19 LOTS 5 thru 8,
S1/2NE1/4, N1/2NE1/4, E1/2W1/2, SE1/4; Sec. 20 W1/2SW1/4; Sec. 30 LOTS 5,
NE1/4NW1/4;
/4NW 1 /4;
WR-NSO-12 BLM Stipulation NSO for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
20
T. 3 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 19 S1/2NE1/4, NW1/4NE1/4,
E1/2W1/2, SE1/4; Sec. 20 NW1/4SW1/4;
WR-NSO-35 BLM Stipulation NSO for Tier 1 Areas within Lands with Wilderness
Characteristics Units
For the following lands:
T. 3 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 19 SE1/4NE1/4, SE1/4SW1/4, SE1/4;
Sec. 20 W1/2NW1/4, SW1/4SW1/4; Sec. 30 NE1/4NW1/4;
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
For the following lands:
T. 3 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 18 SE1/4; Sec. 19 LOTS 5 thru 8,
NW1/4NE1/4; Sec. 30 LOTS 5, NE1/4NW1/4;
CO-TL-BG-2 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Production High Priority Habitat
(HPH)
For the following lands:
T. 3 N., R. 96 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 19 LOTS 6 thru 8, E1/2, E1/2W1/2; Sec.
20 W1/2NW1/4, NW1/4SW1/4; Sec. 30 LOTS 5, NE1/4NW1/4;
CO-TL-GRSG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Greater Sage -grouse Priority Habitat
Management Area (PHMA) and General Habitat Management Area (GHMA)
EOI #CO00015230
CO -2025-09-0371
COCO106740690
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 2 N., R. 97 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 2 LOTS 7;
Sec. 2 SE1/4NW1/4.
Rio Blanco County
79.45 Acres
Rental $240.00
16.67% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
WR-CSU-11 BLM Stipulation CSU for Saline Soils
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
WR-CSU-15 BLM Stipulation CSU for Rock Art & Standing Architecture
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
21
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
WR-NSO-12 BLM Stipulation NSO for Steep Natural Slopes
WR-NSO-19 BLM Stipulation NSO for Special Status Raptor, Golden Eagle, &
Prairie Falcon Nests
WR-NSO-26 BLM Stipulation NSO for BLM Sensitive Plant Species
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
CO-TL-BG-2 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Production High Priority Habitat
(HPH)
WR-TL-15 BLM Stipulation TL for Raptor Nests (Not Considered Special Status
Species)
WR-TL-17 BLM Stipulation TL for Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon Nests
EOI #CO00018678
CO -2025-09-0377
COCO106740691
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 2 N., R. 97 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 11 W2 THAT PORTION LYING EASTERLY OF THE EASTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC;;
Sec. 14 W1/2;
Sec. 24 NE1/4NW1/4.
Rio Blanco County
590.56 Acres
Rental $1,773.00
16.670% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
WR-CSU-15 BLM Stipulation CSU for Rock Art & Standing Architecture
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
WR-NSO-12 BLM Stipulation NSO for Steep Natural Slopes
WR-NSO-17 BLM Stipulation NSO for Endangered Colorado River Fish
WR-NSO-18 BLM Stipulation NSO for Raptor Nests - Other than Special Status
Raptors (Except Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon)
WR-NSO-19 BLM Stipulation NSO for Special Status Raptor, Golden Eagle, &
22
Prairie Falcon Nests
WR-NSO-21 BLM Stipulation NSO for Bald Eagle Critical Night Roosts
WR-NSO-26 BLM Stipulation NSO for BLM Sensitive Plant Species
WR-NSO-34 BLM Stipulation NSO for Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
EOI #CO00018678
CO -2025-09-0293
COCO106740692
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 2 N., R. 97 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 12 SE1/4SE1/4.
Rio Blanco County
40 Acres
Rental $120.00
16.670% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
EOI #CO00018366
CO -2025-09-6356
COCO106740693
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 2 N., R. 97 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 15 NE THAT PORTION LYING EASTERLY OF THE EASTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC;;
Sec. 22 N2NE, SWNE THOSE PORTIONS LYING EASTERLY OF THE
EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC;.
Rio Blanco County
120.03 Acres
Rental $363.00
23
16.67% Royalty Rate
Agreements:
COCO106361638 This parcel is within approved Unit Agreement (UA)
COCO106361638, effective May 22, 2025. Before issuance of a lease for lands
within an approved unit, the successful bidder may be required to join the unit (43
CFR 3101.3-1). Any lands included in this Notice that are determined to be in a unit
prior to lease issuance are subject to regulation (43 CFR 3101.3-1).
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
WR-NSO-12 BLM Stipulation NSO for Steep Natural Slopes
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
EOI #CO00018678
CO -2025-09-0295
COCO106740694
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 2 LOTS 21, 22, 38.
Rio Blanco County
19.24 Acres
Rental $60.00
16.67% Royalty Rate
Agreements:
COCO106361638 This parcel is within approved Unit Agreement (UA)
COCO106361638, effective May 22, 2025. Before issuance of a lease for lands
within an approved unit, the successful bidder may be required to join the unit (43
CFR 3101.3-1). Any lands included in this Notice that are determined to be in a unit
prior to lease issuance are subject to regulation (43 CFR 3101.3-1).
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
24
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 9;
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 5, 6, 9, 21, 22;
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
WR-CSU-14 BLM Stipulation CSU for Bald Eagle Nest, Roost, & Perch Habitat
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 6, 22;
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
WR-LN-10 BLM Lease Notice LN for Wild Horse Habitat
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
WR-NSO-17 BLM Stipulation NSO for Endangered Colorado River Fish
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 6, 22;
WR-NSO-18 BLM Stipulation NSO for Raptor Nests - Other than Special Status
Raptors (Except Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon)
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 6, 9, 21, 22;
WR-NSO-19 BLM Stipulation NSO for Special Status Raptor, Golden Eagle, &
Prairie Falcon Nests
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 6, 9, 21, 22;
WR-NSO-34 BLM Stipulation NSO for Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 6, 22;
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
WR-TL-19 BLM Stipulation TL for Bald Eagle Nests
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 6, 21, 22;
WR-TL-21 BLM Stipulation TL for Bald Eagle Winter Hunting Perches
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 2 LOTS 6;
EOI #CO00018383
CO -2025-09-0296
COCO106740695
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
25
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 4 LOTS 5, 6, 23, 24, 30, 31, 34, 37, 38;
Sec. 4 SE1/4NE1/4, NE1/4SE1/4;
Sec. 5 LOTS 16, 25, 27, 29, 31;
Sec. 5 S1/2S1/2;
Sec. 8 ALL;
Sec. 9 1, 6 THOSE PORTIONS LYING NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY OF
THE NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED
YELLOW CREEK ACEC;
Sec. 9 SENW, S2 THOSE PORTIONS LYING NORTHERLY AND
WESTERLY OF THE NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF
THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC;
Sec. 9 W1/2NW1/4;
Sec. 16 THAT PORTION LYING WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC..
Rio Blanco County
1677.83 Acres
Rental $5,034.00
16.670% Royalty Rate
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 23, 24, 31, 38, SE1/4NE1/4,
NE1/4SE1/4; Sec. 5 LOTS 16, 29, 31, S1/2S1/2; Sec. 8 NE1/4NE1/4, SE1/4NE1/4,
NW1/4, S1/2; Sec. 9 1, 6 THOSE PORTIONS LYING NORTHERLY AND
WESTERLY OF THE NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE
PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC, SENW, S2 THOSE PORTIONS LYING
NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY OF THE NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC, W1/2NW1/4; Sec.
16 THAT PORTION LYING WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF
THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC.
WR-CSU-11 BLM Stipulation CSU for Saline Soils
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 31, 34, 37, 38; Sec. 5 LOTS 16,
25, 27, 29, 31, S1/2SE1/4; Sec. 9 1, 6 THOSE PORTIONS LYING NORTHERLY
AND WESTERLY OF THE NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF
THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC;
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 5, 6, 23, 24, 30, 31, 34, 37, 38,
SE1/4NE1/4, NE1/4SE1/4; Sec. 5 LOTS 16, 25, 29, 31, S1/2S1/2; Sec. 8 N1/2NE1/4,
SE1/4NE1/4, N1/2NW1/4, NE1/4NW1/4, SW1/4NW1/4, SW1/4, S1/2SE1/4; Sec. 9
1, 6 THOSE PORTIONS LYING NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY OF THE
NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW
CREEK ACEC, SENW, S2 THOSE PORTIONS LYING NORTHERLY AND
WESTERLY OF THE NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE
26
PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC, W1/2NW1/4; Sec. 16 THAT PORTION
LYING WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED
YELLOW CREEK ACEC.
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
WR-CSU-14 BLM Stipulation CSU for Bald Eagle Nest, Roost, & Perch Habitat
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 6; Sec. 5 LOTS 25, 27;
WR-CSU-15 BLM Stipulation CSU for Rock Art & Standing Architecture
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 5 LOTS 16, 25, 27, 29, 31, S1/2S1/2;
Sec. 16 THAT PORTION LYING WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC.
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
WR-LN-07 BLM Lease Notice LN for Potential Habitat Federally Listed Plants
WR-LN-09 BLM Lease Notice LN for Prairie Dog Towns
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 5 LOTS 16, 31;
WR-LN-10 BLM Lease Notice LN for Wild Horse Habitat
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 5, 23, 24, 30, 31, 34, 37, 38,
SE1/4NE1/4, NE1/4SE1/4; Sec. 5 LOTS 16, 25, 27, 29, 31, S1/2S1/2; Sec. 8 ALL;
Sec. 9 1, 6 THOSE PORTIONS LYING NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY OF THE
NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW
CREEK ACEC, SENW, S2 THOSE PORTIONS LYING NORTHERLY AND
WESTERLY OF THE NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE
PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC, W1/2NW1/4; Sec. 16 THAT PORTION
LYING WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED
YELLOW CREEK ACEC.
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
WR-NSO-12 BLM Stipulation NSO for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 31; Sec. 5 LOTS 16, 29, 31,
S1/2S1/2; Sec. 8 NE1/4NE1/4, W1/2NW1/4, SE1/4NW1/4, SW1/4SW1/4,
E1/2SW1/4, NW1/4SE1/4, E1/2SE1/4; Sec. 9 1, 6 THOSE PORTIONS LYING
NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY OF THE NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC, SENW, S2 THOSE
PORTIONS LYING NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY OF THE NORTHERLY
AND WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC,
W1/2NW1/4; Sec. 16 THAT PORTION LYING WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC.
WR-NSO-13 BLM Stipulation NSO for Impaired Stream Segments
For the following lands:
27
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 16 THAT PORTION LYING
WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW
CREEK ACEC.
WR-NSO-17 BLM Stipulation NSO for Endangered Colorado River Fish
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 6, 23; Sec. 5 LOTS 25, 27;
WR-NSO-18 BLM Stipulation NSO for Raptor Nests - Other than Special Status
Raptors (Except Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon)
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 5, 6, 23, SE1/4NE1/4,
NE1/4SE1/4;
WR-NSO-19 BLM Stipulation NSO for Special Status Raptor, Golden Eagle, &
Prairie Falcon Nests
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 5, 6, 23, SE1/4NE1/4,
NE1/4SE1/4; Sec. 16 THAT PORTION LYING WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC.
WR-NSO-21 BLM Stipulation NSO for Bald Eagle Critical Night Roosts
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 5, SE1/4NE1/4;
WR-NSO-25 BLM Stipulation NSO for Federally Listed Plant Species
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 16 THAT PORTION LYING
WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW
CREEK ACEC.
WR-NSO-26 BLM Stipulation NSO for BLM Sensitive Plant Species
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 16 THAT PORTION LYING
WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW
CREEK ACEC.
WR-NSO-34 BLM Stipulation NSO for Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 6, 23, 30; Sec. 5 LOTS 25, 27;
Sec. 16 THAT PORTION LYING WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC.
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
WR-TL-17 BLM Stipulation TL for Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon Nests
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 9 E2SE THOSE PORTIONS LYING
NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY OF THE NORTHERLY AND WESTERLY
BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC; Sec. 16 THAT
PORTION LYING WESTERLY OF THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE
PROPOSED YELLOW CREEK ACEC.
WR-TL-19 BLM Stipulation TL for Bald Eagle Nests
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 5, 6, 23, SE1/4NE1/4,
NE1/4SE1/4;
WR-TL-20 BLM Stipulation TL for Bald Eagle Critical Night Roosts
28
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 4 LOTS 5, SE1/4NE1/4;
EOI #CO00018367
CO -2025-09-0383
COCO106740696
CO, White River Field Office, BLM, PD
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal
Sec. 11 LOTS 7 thru 9, 11 thru 20;
Sec. 11 NE1/4SW1/4;
Sec. 12 LOTS 9 thru 11, 27, 28, 30.
Rio Blanco County
337.67 Acres
Rental $1,014.00
16.670% Royalty Rate
Agreements:
COCO106361638 This parcel is within approved Unit Agreement (UA)
COCO106361638, effective May 22, 2025. Before issuance of a lease for lands
within an approved unit, the successful bidder may be required to join the unit (43
CFR 3101.3-1). Any lands included in this Notice that are determined to be in a unit
prior to lease issuance are subject to regulation (43 CFR 3101.3-1).
Stipulations:
CO-LN-BG-2 BLM Stipulation for Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
CO -29 BLM Stipulation CSU for Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
CO-CSU-BG-1 BLM Stipulation CSU for Big Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
WR-CSU-10 BLM Stipulation CSU for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 12 LOTS 27, 28;
WR-CSU-11 BLM Stipulation CSU for Saline Soils
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 12 LOTS 27, 28;
WR-CSU-12 BLM Stipulation CSU for Water Resources
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 11 LOTS 7, 8, 11, 15, 16, 19, 20; Sec. 12
LOTS 9, 10, 27, 28, 30;
WR-CSU-13 BLM Stipulation CSU for Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
WR-CSU-14 BLM Stipulation CSU for Bald Eagle Nest, Roost, & Perch Habitat
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 12 LOTS 27;
CO-LN-BG-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife
Mitigation Plan (WMP)
HQ-CR-1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resource Protection
HQ -MLA -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral
Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
HQ -TES -1 BLM Lease Notice LN for Threatened and Endangered Species Act
WR-LN-06 BLM Lease Notice LN for Endangered Species Act Section 7
Consultation
29
WR-LN-10 BLM Lease Notice LN for Wild Horse Habitat
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 11 LOTS 7 thru 9, 11 thru 20,
NE1/4SW1/4; Sec. 12 LOTS 27, 28, 30;
WR-LN-11 BLM Lease Notice LN for Cultural Resources
WR-NSO-12 BLM Stipulation NSO for Steep Natural Slopes
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 12 LOTS 27;
WR-NSO-17 BLM Stipulation NSO for Endangered Colorado River Fish
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 12 LOTS 9, 27;
WR-NSO-18 BLM Stipulation NSO for Raptor Nests - Other than Special Status
Raptors (Except Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon)
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 11 LOTS 8, 9, 11,14;
WR-NSO-19 BLM Stipulation NSO for Special Status Raptor, Golden Eagle, &
Prairie Falcon Nests
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 11 LOTS 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, NE1/4SW1/4;
WR-NSO-21 BLM Stipulation NSO for Bald Eagle Critical Night Roosts
WR-NSO-34 BLM Stipulation NSO for Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 12 LOTS 9, 27;
CO-TL-BG-1 BLM Stipulation TL for Big Game Winter Range High Priority
Habitat
WR-TL-19 BLM Stipulation TL for Bald Eagle Nests
For the following lands:
T. 2 N., R. 98 W., Sixth Principal, Sec. 11 LOTS 11,13,14; Sec. 12 LOTS 9 thru
11
WR-TL-20 BLM Stipulation TL for Bald Eagle Critical Night Roosts
WR-TL-21 BLM Stipulation TL for Bald Eagle Winter Hunting Perches
EOI #CO00018678
30
BLM Stipulations
CO-LN-BG-2-Requirement of Wildlife Mitigation Plan(WMP)
The lease area is located within big game habitat or currently under big game high priority habitat
review by the State of Colorado and requires a wildlife mitigation plan (WMP). The lessee or their
designated operator shall work with the BLM and coordinate with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to
take reasonable measures to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate impacts to big game habitat
functionality. Big game habitats are mapped in land use plans, BLM's GIS database, or other
maps provided by local, state, federal or tribal agencies that are analyzed and may be incorporated
by the BLM in future RMP amendments or maintenance actions. The BLM will encourage the use
of Master Development Plans or agreements for operations proposed on this lease.
RGFO-SSR-WIife-4-Raptor Nest Site
All surface -disturbing activities may be restricted within an area centered on a raptor nest site as
mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state, federal, or tribal
agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM to maintain the integrity of nest sites and
surrounding habitat. Buffer radii for non -special status raptors are as follows:
• 0.5 mile (0.8 kilometer) — prairie falcon
• 0.25 mile (0.4 kilometer) — all other non -special status raptors (accipiters, falcons [except
kestrel], buteos, and owls)
Purpose: To protect the integrity of raptor nest sites.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
EXCEPTION: In addition to the standard exception, this stipulation may be excepted for the
following:
• Project site location relative to the size and spatial arrangement of habitat, presence of open
roads and trails, and other
existing background or historical disturbances
• Length of time that activities would encroach on the period of the restriction period
• Number of vehicle trips per day in and out of the work site
• Actual raptor use of the area
• Cumulative impacts on raptors (such as other activities in the area)
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
31
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
BLM Stipulations CSU
CO -29 Paleontological Resources Inventory CSU
Surface occupancy or use may be restricted due to paleontological resources. Special design,
construction, and implementation measures, including relocation of operations by more than 200
meters (656 feet), may be required.
The lease area contains a moderate to high potential for paleontological resources (i.e. Potential
Fossil Yield Classification Class 3-5). An inventory of paleontological resources may be required
before construction and drilling may commence. The Authorized Officer may require that a
qualified paleontologist be present to monitor operations during surface disturbing
activities.
Purpose: To protect scientific information that may be damaged from inadvertent or authorized
uses.
Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the
regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of
Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)
Exception: An exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold.
Exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis. The stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold.
The Authorized Officer may grant an exception to a stipulation if it is determined that the factors
leading to its inclusion in the lease have changed sufficiently such that: 1) the protection provided
by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the
RMP; or 2) proposed operations would not cause unacceptable impacts. The Authorized Officer
may require additional plans of development, surveys, mitigation proposals, or environmental
analysis, and may be required to consult with other government agencies and/or the public in order
to make this determination.
Modification: A modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation, either
32
temporarily or for the term of the lease. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation
may or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold to which the restrictive criteria are applied.
In accordance with the provisions of 43 C.F.R. 3101.1-4, the Authorized Officer may modify a
stipulation or the area subject to the stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease have changed sufficiently. The Authorized Officer may modify a stipulation
as a result of new information if: 1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP; 2) the protection provided by the
stipulation is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP; or 3)
proposed operations would not cause unacceptable impacts. The Authorized Officer may require
additional plans of development, surveys, mitigation proposals, or environmental analysis, and
may be required to consult with other government agencies and/or the public in order to make this
determination, and the modification may be subject to public review for at least a 30 day period.
Waiver: A waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold.
In accordance with the provisions of 43 C.F.R. 3101.1-4, the Authorized Officer may waive a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease no longer exist.
The Authorized Officer may require additional plans of development, surveys, mitigation
proposals, or environmental analysis, and may be required to consult with other government
agencies and/or the public in order to make this determination, and the waiver may be subject to
public review for at least a 30 day period.
CO-CSU-BG-1 Bij" Game High Priority Habitat (HPH)
Surface occupancy and use may be restricted within big game high priority habitat (HPH).
Authorization of new oil and gas facility locations within big game HPH will be avoided when the
oil and gas location density exceeds one active oil and gas location per square mile or contributes
to an increased density beyond one active oil and gas location per square mile. In addition, a
BLM- and CPW-approved Wildlife Mitigation Plan (WMP) will be required and implemented for
new oil and gas facility locations within big game HPH. The WMP will address direct and indirect
functional habitat loss, including consideration of the impacts of both oil and gas facilities and
new oil and gas routes, and offset the unavoidable adverse impacts to the affected big game
habitat.
Purpose: Oil and Gas Location Density Threshold: To maintain, conserve, and protect big game
HPH on BLM-administered lands and Federal mineral estate in Colorado.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
In addition, the Authorized Officer may grant an EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, or WAIVER
in coordination with CPW, where a proposed action:
• Would have negligible or nominal direct, indirect, or cumulative effects on big game HPH;
• Is an alternative to a similar action on a nearby parcel with greater overall adverse impacts to big
game HPH or species
of higher conservation concern (e.g., ESA listed species, BLM sensitive species);
• Where the oil and gas location density exceeds one active oil and gas location per square mile,
the BLM in coordination
33
with CPW, may require additional compensatory mitigation to offset the adverse impacts
associated with high intensity
activities (e.g., construction, drilling, and completions) that would provide conservation
benefits sufficient to offset the
residual direct and indirect impacts to big game HPH caused by the proposed oil and gas
activities.
Such an exception, modification, or waiver will not be granted unless the BLM, in coordination
with CPW, finds that the proposed action satisfies the above. Such finding shall initially be made
by a team of one field biologist or other expert from each respective agency. In the event the initial
finding is not unanimous, the finding may be elevated to the appropriate senior official for final
resolution. In the event their finding is not unanimous, the exception will not be granted.
* An exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
A modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or
for the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation
may or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive
criteria are applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to
the stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
A waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
CO-CSU-GRSG-1-Greater Sage grouse General Habitat Management Area (GHMA), Priority
Habitat Management Area (PHMA) & Leks
Apply CSU constraints on surface use, occupancy, placement of permanent tall structures, and
surface -disturbing activities in General Habitat Management Area (GHMA) within 1 mile of
Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA) and within 1 mile of occupied leks occurring in
GHMA that will decrease habitat availability or functionality of important seasonal habitats
including breeding, nesting, or winter concentration; or that create new perching/nesting/food
subsidy opportunities for avian predators.
Surface use including infrastructure and surface -disturbing activities may require special design,
construction, and implementation measures. The actual required measures will be based on the
34
purpose, nature, and extent of the surface occupancy including infrastructure and total surface
disturbance, the affected seasonal habitat, and the feasibility of relocating the project. A tall
structure is any man-made structure that provides for perching/nesting opportunities for predators
(e.g., raptors, ravens) that may naturally be absent, or that decreases the use of an area. A
determination as to whether something is considered a tall structure will be made based on local
conditions such as existing vegetation or topography.
Examples of measures and limitations include:
1. Relocate operations beyond the standard relocation setback defined in CFR 3101.12 to areas
outside of habitat, to areas of existing disturbance, or to areas where site -specific topography
mitigates project impacts;
2. Defer activities beyond the standard development timeframe deferral defined in CFR 3101.12 to
avoid seasonal habitat use periods;
3. Modify project design to discourage avian predator perching;
4. Limit, relocate, or collocate placement of tall structures to reduce impacts of project
infrastructure;
5. Limit activity associated with construction, drilling, or completions to certain seasons or times
of day;
6. Minimize noise using the best available technology to dampen or direct noise away from
breeding or nesting habitat.
7. Modify access routes to avoid important areas or habitats.
Objective: To manage fluid mineral leasing and development (including geothermal) in GRSG
General Habitat Management Areas to avoid, minimize, and compensate for adverse impacts to
GRSG habitat to the extent practical under the law and BLM jurisdiction.
Exception: The Authorized Officer may consider and provide temporary relief from controlled
surface use constraints by granting an exception after documenting the review of available
information associated with the site proposed for the exception. While the BLM considers
information from all sources, the State wildlife agency can provide information directly associated
with bird use. Based on this information and recommendation, and documented variability in
climatic conditions (e.g., early/late spring, long/heavy winter), use patterns, or other applicable
information the Authorized Officer may consider a one-time exception if development associated
with it will not have direct/indirect negative impacts on GRSG and/or their habitat.
Modification: The BLM can and does grant modifications to controlled surface use restrictions if
the BLM, in coordination with the state wildlife agency and other appropriate state authorities on a
case -by -case basis, determines that granting the modification will not adversely impact the
population being protected. The authorized officer may consider and grant a modification to the
dates and areas associated with restrictions based on the criteria described below — after
documenting the review of available information associated with the site proposed for the
modification, if:
1) The geographic and temporal conditions demonstrate that any modification is justified on the
basis that it serves to better protect or enhance GRSG and its habitat than if the strict application
of controlled surface use restrictions are implemented. Under this scenario modifications can
occur if one or more of the following conditions can be documented:
a) A proposed authorization is expected to have beneficial or neutral impacts on GRSG and its
habitat.
35
b) Topography or other factors eliminate direct and indirect impacts from visibility and
audibility to GRSG and its
habitat.
c) There are documented local variations that indicate the locations of use are different than
presented.
2) Modifications are needed to address an immediate public health and safety concern in a timely
manner (e.g., maintaining a road impacted by flooding).
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may consider and grant a waiver of the stipulation on an existing
lease if the area that was mapped as a GRSG habitat management area (regardless of type) when
the lease was issued is no longer mapped as such through the appropriate planning process.
CO-CSU-GRSG-2-Greater Sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA)
New leases in Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA) are subject to the restrictions of 3%
disturbance and an average of 1 disturbance per 640 acres calculated by each Colorado
Management Zone (MZ) to allow clustered development.
Objective: To manage fluid mineral leasing and development (including geothermal) in GRSG
Priority Habitat Management Areas and Colorado Management Zones to avoid, minimize, and
compensate for adverse impacts to GRSG habitat to the extent practical under the law and BLM
jurisdiction.
Exception: The Authorized Officer may consider projects on public lands that could result in
exceeding the disturbance cap across all ownership at the Colorado MZ scale only if the project
meets the criteria for one of the following categories of exceptions and also meets the following
conditions applicable to that exception:
Categories for Disturbance Cap Exceptions:
a. If the disturbance is associated with the renewal or re -authorization of existing infrastructure in
previously disturbed sites or expansions of existing infrastructure that do not result in new direct,
indirect, or cumulative impacts on GRSG and its habitat, and is documented.
b. If a technical team evaluates and concludes site -specific GRSG habitat and population
information, combined with project design elements — including compensatory mitigation,
indicates the proposed project is expected to improve the condition of GRSG habitat within the
proposed project analysis area. The technical team should consist of, at a minimum, a BLM field
office biologist and a biologist from the appropriate State agency. The methods, rationale, and data
used in developing recommendations shall be retained as part of the project record.
c. If the disturbance is within an RMP designated utility corridors, the disturbance cap may be
exceeded if site specific NEPA analysis indicates doing so will decrease impacts to GRSG habitat
in comparison to siting a project outside the designated corridor. This exception is limited to
projects that fulfill the use for which the corridors were designated (ex., transmission lines,
pipelines) and the designated width of a corridor will not be exceeded as a result of any project co -
location. (Note: A plan amendment would be required for the development of new corridors and,
as necessary, would need to appropriately address any changes in the disturbance cap.)
d. If the environmental review document(s) explains how the GRSG RMP goals and objectives
will be met, including compliance with the RMP's GRSG mitigation strategy (Greater Sage -
grouse Rangewide Planning Record of Decision (ROD) and Approved Resource Management
36
Plan Amendment (ARMPA) for Colorado (2025) Table 1) of avoidance first (e.g., locating the
proposed projects outside PHMA, colocation within footprint of existing disturbance, etc.), then
minimization (including application of RDFs, etc.) with appropriate documentation. The
environmental review document must also consider the cumulative effects of other exceptions
granted in adjacent project scale units. If avoidance is not possible and minimization does not
address all direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts, compensatory mitigation can be considered, in
coordination with the appropriate State agency.
If one or more of the exception criteria can be met, the activity associated with the disturbance
must also meet all of the following conditions in order to be permitted:
a. If the exception relies on compensatory mitigation:
1. The mitigation must be completed prior to the disturbance that results in the exceedance of
the disturbance cap
and provide the same or better value habitat based on site limitations, or better based on site
limitations, AND
2. The compensation must be implemented in the same Colorado Management Zone unit as
the potential
development. Consideration may be given to providing compensatory mitigation in adjacent
Colorado Management
Zone areas if doing
so will more effectively provide the offsetting benefit.
b. All disturbance cap exceptions MUST have concurrence from the State Director.
c. If proposed disturbance cap exception is requested in an area (neighborhood lek cluster or as
appropriate an alternative adaptive management unit) that has met one of the adaptive
management thresholds, no exceptions to the disturbance cap at the Colorado Management Zone
scale would be considered until the causal factor analysis is completed and cause identified and
corrected unless the disturbance is needed for the protection of human life and safety, as concurred
by the State Director.
d. All disturbance cap exceptions will be tracked by the BLM state sage -grouse lead and provided
for cumulative analyses for any proposed development within the same neighborhood cluster or
appropriate biological area. All requests for the use of compensatory mitigation to exceed the
disturbance cap should be reviewed by the technical team for likelihood of success and efficacy of
offsetting impacts to the affected habitats and associated populations.
e. All Colorado Management Zone Scale disturbance cap exceptions approved by the State
Director will be tracked by the BLM State sage -grouse lead.
f. Apply the disturbance cap to the extent consistent with applicable law (such as the Mining Law
of 1872) and valid existing rights.
Prior to granting an exception to the disturbance cap stipulation for fluid minerals, the potential
exception shall be subject to public review for at least a 30 -day period (e.g., could be part of the
APD NEPA process).
Modification: None.
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may consider and grant a waiver of the stipulation on an existing
lease if the area mapped as PHMA when the lease was issued is no longer mapped as such through
the appropriate planning process. Prior to waiving the disturbance cap stipulation for a given area,
the potential waiver shall be subject to public review for at least a 30 -day period (e.g., could be
part of the APD NEPA process).
37
RGFO-CSU-SSSpecies-1-Snake Hibernacula
Surface occupancy or use may be restricted for fluid mineral development within 0.25 mile (0.4
kilometer) of identified special status snake hibernacula as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS
database, or other maps provided by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and
accepted by the BLM. Special design, construction, and implementation measures, including
relocation of operations by more than 656 feet (200 meters) or delay by more than 60 days may be
required to protect the specified resource or value.
Purpose: To protect special status snake hibernacula.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-CSU-Water-2-Water Quality
For all areas outside the South Park Leasing Area, surface occupancy or use may be restricted
beyond 500 feet (152 meters) of perennial, intermittent and ephemeral streams; riparian areas, fens
and/or wetlands; and water impoundments. Surfacedisturbing activities may require special
engineering design, construction, and implementation measures, including re -location of
operations beyond 656 feet (200 meters) from the extent of water impoundments, streams, riparian
areas, and/or wetlands to protect water resources.
Purpose: To maintain the proper functioning condition, including the vegetation, hydrologic and
geomorphic functionality of wetland features. Protect water quality, riparian zones, fens, fish
habitat, aquatic habitat, and provide a clean, reliable source of water for downstream users.
38
Buffers are expected to indirectly benefit migratory birds, wildlife habitat, amphibians, and other
species.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-CSU-Wlife-2-Bij" Game Winter Ranj"e
Surface occupancy or use may be restricted in big game winter, migration, and production areas,
as mapped in the RMP, the BLM's GIS database, or other maps constituting the best available
information as provided by local, state, federal or tribal agencies that are accepted by the BLM.
Prior to surface disturbance within big game winter range, migration, and production areas, the
BLM will require the
applicant to develop a mitigation plan in coordination with BLM and CPW, in conformance with
applicable state requirements, rules and regulations, as a component of the APD — Surface Use
Plan of Operations. The operator shall not initiate surface disturbing activities unless the BLM
authorized officer has approved the mitigation plan (with conditions, as appropriate). The
mitigation plan must demonstrate to the authorized officer's satisfaction that the overall function
and suitability of big game winter ranges, migration, and production areas will not be impaired.
This may include special design, construction and implementation measures, including relocation
of operations by more than 656 feet (200 meters). Measures in the Surface Use Plan of Operations
may include, but are not limited to, limitations to surface disturbance density through efficient
planning of facilities, roads and well locations; minimization of routine truck traffic associated
with well/facility visits through use of remote sensing/control and pipelines to transport liquids;
avoidance of visits during certain hours during winter season; and limitations on noise.
39
Purpose: To ensure the function and suitability of big game winter range, migration, and
production areas.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
WR-CSU-10-Steep Natural Slopes
Surface disturbing activities will be allowed on natural slopes greater than or equal to 35 percent
but less than 50 percent (as defined by digital elevation model data) only after an engineered
construction/reclamation plan is submitted by the operator and approved by the Authorized
Officer. The following items must be addressed in the plan:
1) How soil productivity will be restored; and
2) How surface runoff will be treated to avoid accelerated erosion such as riling, gullying, piping,
and mass wasting.
Purpose: To protect soils on natural slopes greater than or equal to 35 percent but less than 50
percent.
Exception: An exception may be granted by the Authorized Officer if an environmental analysis
of the proposed action identifies that the scale or nature of the operation would not result in any
long term decrease in site productivity or increased erosion. An exception may also be granted by
the Authorized Officer if a more detailed survey determines that the proposed action will not
disturb soils on slopes greater than or equal to 35 percent.
40
Modification: None.
Waiver: None.
WR-CSU-11 Saline Soils
Surface disturbing activities will be allowed in areas with saline soils (i.e., greater than 8
mmhos/cm), as identified in USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey, only after a reclamation plan is
submitted by the operator and approved by the Authorized Officer. Operators must consider the
stability and productivity of these soils in the reclamation plan and specifically address:
1) How soil productivity will be restored; and
2) How reclamation success will be evaluated.
Purpose: To protect the productivity of saline soils and to reduce salt and selenium loading of
surface waters.
Exception: An exception may be granted by the Authorized Officer if an environmental analysis
of the proposed action identifies that the scale of the operation would not result in any long term
decrease in site productivity or increased erosion. An exception may also be granted if a more
detailed soil survey, i.e., Order I, conducted by a qualified soil scientist, finds the soil properties
associated with the proposed action are not saline.
Modification: None.
Waiver: None.
WR-CSU-12-Water Resources
Surface disturbance and occupation will be avoided in the following areas:
1) Mapped 100 -year floodplains;
2) Areas within 500 feet from perennial waters, springs, water wells, and wetland/riparian areas;
and
3) Areas within 100 feet from the inner gorge of ephemeral or intermittent stream channels. (See
Approved RMPA Glossary
for definition of inner gorge.).
Purpose: To maintain the vegetative, hydrologic, and geomorphic functionality of stream
channels, water quality characteristics, spring function, water well integrity, proper
wetland/riparian function, aquatic health, aquatic and wetland habitat, macroinvertebrate
communities, downstream fisheries and natural sediment and salt processes.
Exception: An exception may be granted by the Authorized Officer to the avoidance of these areas
if an environmental analysis determines that the proposed activity would not or if the activity
could be conditioned so as to not degrade the resources identified (see the modification criteria
below). The Authorized Officer may authorize surface disturbance and occupation in identified
areas when avoidance would result in the degradation of off -site resources to an extent that
contravenes the BLM management direction or objectives, provided that adverse effects to water
resources are satisfactorily resolved by design considerations, engineering, reclamation, and best
41
management practices.
Modification: The stipulation may be modified by the Authorized Officer pending an
environmental analysis of site specific information by BLM staff that finds the sites proposed for
surface disturbance or occupancy after construction, during operation, and after final abandonment
would:
1) Pass the 10 -year peak flow event without erosion;
2) Pass the 25 -year peak flow without failed infrastructure;
3) Pass the 50 -year peak flow event without failure (when surface occupancy is planned for
greater than 50 years);
4) Not impede a 100 -year peak flow event causing upstream flooding beyond floodplain
boundaries;
5) Not negatively impact springs or water wells, and
6) Beyond temporary, short-term timeframes would:
a) Not degrade water quality;
b) Not compromise, degrade, or forestall attainment of proper wetland/riparian conditions or
channel functions; and
c) Maintain aquatic health and habitat.
The proposed activity must further not represent a vector for the transmission of aquatic pathogens
or invasive/nuisance aquatic organisms, and must include provisions to restore
wetland/riparian/floodplain vegetation and stream channel features temporarily impacted by the
proposed activity. Modifications may also include the use of timing limitations designed to limit
impacts to aquatic, riparian or channel resources (e.g., restrictions on activities during high or low
flow conditions or during times that are critical for fish reproduction).
Waiver: None.
WR-CSU-13-Native Cutthroat Trout Habitat
Prior to authorizing surface disturbance of native cutthroat trout habitat (including occupied
stream reaches, those slated for recovery, or within watersheds contributing to occupied habitats),
the proponent/applicant will be required to submit a plan of development that will demonstrate
that the proposed action will not:
1) Increase stream gradient;
2) Result in a net increase in sediment contribution;
3) Decrease stream channel sinuosity;
4) Increase the channel width to depth ratio;
5) Increase water temperature;
6) Decrease vegetation derived stream shading; or
7) Degrade existing water quality parameters, including specific conductance, turbidity,
organic/inorganic contaminant
levels, and dissolved oxygen in identified reaches or contributing perennial or intermittent
tributaries.
If approvals are granted and development results in these standards being exceeded, additional
measures will be required to correct the deficiencies. The proponent may be required to monitor
stream/channel responses throughout the life of the project.
42
Purpose: Protection of aquatic habitats occupied by or suited for recovery of native cutthroat trout.
Exception: The Authorized Officer may authorize surface disturbance in these areas if an
environmental analysis indicates that the project would have no adverse influence on identified
stream characteristics.
Modification: Short term transgressions of the stream characteristics listed above may be allowed
if the Authorized Officer determines, through environmental analysis, that short term deviations
will have no adverse consequences on affected channel reaches beyond the construction phase of
the project. In the event the management status of native cutthroat trout warrants downgrading,
this stipulation may be replaced by less stringent criteria. The provisions of the stipulation may
also be modified if the proponent, BLM, CPW, and where necessary, other affected interests,
negotiate compensation that satisfactorily offsets anticipated impacts to channel function and
aquatic habitat conditions as they pertain to the support of native trout populations.
Waiver: A waiver may be granted if habitat conditions are determined to be permanently
incapable of supporting populations of native cutthroat trout.
WR-CSU-14-Bald Eagle Nest, Roost, & Perch Habitat
Prior to authorizing surface disturbance within bald eagle nest, roost, and perch habitat, and
pending coordination with the FWS consistent with provisions of the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act, including its implementing regulations, the Authorized Officer may require the
proponent/applicant to submit a plan of development that will demonstrate that:
1) Involvement of cottonwood stands or cottonwood regeneration areas have been avoided to the
extent practicable;
2) Special reclamation measures or design features are incorporated that will accelerate recovery
and/or reestablishment
of affected cottonwood communities;
3) The pre -development potential of affected floodplains to develop or support riverine
cottonwood communities has not
been diminished; and
4) The current/future utility of such cottonwood substrate for bald eagle use will not be impaired.
Purpose: For maintaining the long term suitability, utility and development opportunities for
specialized riverine habitat features involving bald eagle nest, roost, and perch substrate on federal
lands.
Exception: The Authorized Officer may grant an exception to this stipulation if an environmental
analysis indicates that the proposed or conditioned activities would not affect the long term
suitability or utility of habitat features or diminish opportunities for natural floodplain functions.
Surface disturbance and occupation may also be authorized in the event that established impacts to
habitat values would be compensated or offset to the satisfaction of the BLM in consultation with
FWS and CPW.
Modification: Integral with exception and stipulation.
43
Waiver: None.
WR-CSU-15-Rock & Standing Architecture
Oil and gas exploration and development activities that produce vibrations will be restricted within
660 feet of rock art or standing architecture such as cabins, rock structures, and wickiups.
Vibration sources, which could include but are not limited to, road and well pad construction,
drilling, and operation of compressor stations, will be restricted unless it could be shown that
environmental attenuation will prevent the vibrations from reaching the rock art or standing
architecture. Particular attention will be placed on low frequency, long wavelength vibrations at or
below the range of human hearing.
Purpose: To preserve and protect examples of cultural and historic resources to ensure that they
are available for appropriate uses by present and future generations.
Exception: If avoidance standards could not be met, mitigation as determined through consultation
with the Colorado SHPO, ACHP and Native American tribes could be required before
development would be allowed to proceed. Appropriate mitigation would be determined by site
type and proximity to proposed activity, and could include but is not limited to:
1) Studies monitoring the vibrations in relation to the given site, during the length of the activity
causing them;
2) Level II archival documentation; or
3) Offsite mitigation.
Modification: None.
Waiver: None.
BLM Lease Notice LN
CO-LN-BG-1- Surface Density Limitation of Wildlife Mitigation Plan (WMP)
This lease overlaps with CPW-mapped big game high priority habitat and requires a wildlife
mitigation plan (WMP). CPW recommends a surface density limitation of less than one linear mile
of routes per square mile (640 acres). The lessee or their designated operator shall consult with the
BLM prior to seeking approval for an application for permit to drill (APD) or surface disturbance,
whichever occurs first, to discuss best management practices and potential habitat mitigation
requirements. The lessee or their designated operator shall work with the BLM and coordinate
with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to take reasonable measures to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate
impacts to big game habitat functionality. The BLM will encourage the use of Master
Development Plans or agreements for operations proposed on this lease.
HQ-CR-1-Cultural Resource Protection
This lease may be found to contain historic properties and/or resources protected under National
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Native American
Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, E.O. 13007, or other statutes and executive orders. The
BLM will not approve any ground -disturbing activities that may affect any such properties or
resources until it completes its obligations under applicable requirements of the NHPA and other
44
authorities. The BLM may require modification to exploration or development proposals to protect
such properties, or disapprove any activity that is likely to result in adverse effects that cannot be
successfully avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
HQ -MLA -1 -Notice to Lessee Concerning Mineral Leasing Act Section 2(a)(2)(A)
Provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) of 1920, as amended by the Federal Coal Leasing
Amendments Act of 1976, affect an entity's qualifications to obtain an oil and gas lease. Section
2(a)(2)(A) of the MLA, 30 U.S.C. 201(a)(2)(A), requires that any entity that holds and has held a
Federal Coal Lease for 10 years beginning on or after August 4, 1976, and that is not producing
coal in commercial quantities from each such lease cannot qualify for the issuance of any other
lease granted under the MLA. 43 CFR 3472 explains coal lessee compliance with Section
2(a)(2)(A).
In accordance with the terms of this oil and gas lease with respect to compliance by the initial
lessee with qualifications concerning Federal coal lease holdings, all assignees and transferees are
hereby notified that this oil and gas lease is subject to cancellation if: (1) the initial lessee as
assignor or as transferor has falsely certified compliance with Section 2(a)(2)(A) because of a
denial or disapproval by a State Office of a pending coal action, i.e., arms -length assignment,
relinquishment, or logical mining unit; (2) the initial lessee as assignor or as transferor is no longer
in compliance with Section 2(a)(2)(A); or (3) the assignee or transferee does not qualify as a bona
fide purchaser and, thus, has no rights to bona fide purchaser protection in the event of
cancellation of this lease due to noncompliance with Section 2(a)(2)(A).
The lease case file, as well as in other Bureau of Land Management (BLM) records available
through the State Office issuing this lease, contains information regarding assignor or transferor
compliance with Section 2(a)(2)(A).
HQ -TES -1 -Threatened and Endangered Species Act
The lease area may now or hereafter contain plants, animals, or their habitats determined to be
threatened, endangered, or other special status species. The BLM may recommend modifications
to exploration and development proposals to further its conservation and management objective to
avoid BLM-approved activity that would contribute to a need to list such a species or their habitat.
The BLM may require modifications to or disapprove proposed activity that is likely to result in
jeopardy to the continued existence of a proposed or listed threatened or endangered species or
result in the destruction or adverse modification of a designated or proposed critical habitat. The
BLM will not approve any ground -disturbing activity until it completes its obligations under
applicable requirements of the Endangered Species Act as amended, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.
including completion of any required procedure for conference or consultation.
RGFO-LN-Air-1 Air Quality
Due to potential air quality concerns, supplementary air quality analysis may be required for any
proposed development of this lease. This may include preparing a comprehensive emissions
inventory, performing air quality modeling, and initiating interagency consultation with affected
land managers and air quality regulators to determine potential mitigation options for any
predicted significant impacts from the proposed development. Potential mitigation may include
limiting the time, place, and pace of any proposed development, as well as providing for the best
air quality control technology and/or management practices necessary to achieve area -wide air
45
resource protection objectives. Mitigation measures would be analyzed through the appropriate
type of NEPA analysis to determine effectiveness, and will be required or implemented as a
permit condition of approval (COA). At a minimum, all projects and permitted uses implemented
under this lease will comply with all applicable National Ambient Air Quality Standards and
ensure Air Quality Related Values are protected in nearby Class I or Sensitive Class II areas that
are afforded additional air quality protection under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
RGFO-LN-Cultural-1-National Historic Preservation Act
Apply a lease notice for oil and gas activities on BLM-administered lands notifying the lessee that
leases may be found to contain historic properties and/or resources protected under the National
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Native American
Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Executive Order 13007, or other statutes and executive
orders. The BLM will not approve any ground -disturbing activities that may affect any such
properties or resources until it completes its obligations (e.g., State Historic Preservation Office
(SHPO) and tribal consultation) under applicable requirements of the NHPA and other authorities.
The BLM may require modification to exploration or development proposals to protect such
properties, or disapprove any activity that is likely to result in adverse effects that cannot be
successfully avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
Purpose: To protect culturally sensitive locations and comply with laws and regulations.
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-1-Species Conservation
Apply a lease notice for oil and gas activities on BLM-administered surface lands notifying the
lessee that fluid mineral lease areas may now or hereafter contain plants, animals, or their habitats
determined to be threatened endangered, or other special status species. The BLM may
recommend modifications to exploration and development proposals to further species
conservation and management objectives.
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-2-Biological Inventory
Apply a lease notice for oil and gas activities on BLM-administered surface lands notifying the
lessee that a biological inventory may be required prior to approval of fluid mineral leasing
operations in areas known or suspected habitat of special status species, or habitat of other species
of interest such as but not limited to raptor nests and migratory bird nests. The operator, in
coordination with the BLM, shall use the inventory to prepare mitigation measures to reduce the
impacts of affected species and/or their habitats.
RGFO-LN-SSSpecies-3-South Platte Basin
For operators likely to deplete water from the South Platte Basin, the BLM recommends
enrolment in the South Platte Water Related Activities Program to mitigate effects on federally
listed species that are likely to be adversely affected by water depletions in the South Platte Basin.
RGFO-LN-Tribal-1-Native American Protection
Apply a lease notice for oil and gas activities on BLM-administered lands notifying the lessee that
leases may be found to contain historic properties and/or resources protected under the NHPA,
American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation
46
Act, Executive Order 13007, or other statutes and executive orders. The BLM will not approve
any ground -disturbing activities that may affect any such properties or resources until it completes
its obligations (e.g., SHPO and tribal consultation) under applicable requirements of the NHPA
and other authorities. The BLM may require modification to exploration or development proposals
to protect such properties, or disapprove any activity that is likely to result in adverse effects that
cannot be successfully avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
Purpose: To protect culturally sensitive locations and comply with laws and regulations.
WR-LN-06-Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation
The lease may now or hereafter contain plants, animals, or their habitats determined to be
threatened, endangered, or other special status species. The BLM may recommend modifications
to exploration and development proposals to further its conservation and management objective to
avoid BLM-approved activity that will contribute to a need to list such species or their habitat. The
BLM may require modifications to or disapprove proposed activity that is likely to result in
jeopardy to the continued existence of a proposed or listed threatened or endangered species or
result in the destruction or adverse modification of a designated or proposed critical habitat. The
BLM will not approve any ground -disturbing activity that may affect any such species or critical
habitat until it completes its obligations under applicable requirements of the Endangered Species
Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq., including completion of any required procedure for
conference or consultation.
WR-LN-07-Potential Habitat Federally Listed Plants
The lease contains potential and/or critical habitat for federally listed, proposed, and candidate
plant species. Special status plant species inventories must be conducted by a qualified botanist
prior to approving any surface disturbing activities in potential habitat. Surface occupancy is
generally not permitted in areas within 660 feet of occupied and suitable habitat for federally
listed, proposed, and candidate plant species, including any new habitat mapped as a result of
future surveys.
Conditions of approval identified through an environmental analysis as appropriate to mitigate
impacts to federally listed, proposed, and candidate species and associated habitat will be applied
to land use authorizations, permits, and leases that fall within the plant consideration area (e.g.,
1,970 feet of the affected plant species) or critical habitat. Possible mitigation strategies may
include, but are not limited to:
1) Restricting development within 330 feet of occupied habitat;
2) Adjusting the location of the disturbance to be at least 660 feet from the edge of occupied or
suitable habitat and ideally outside of the plant consideration area;
3) Minimizing the area of disturbance;
4) The use of dust abatement measures;
5) Using signs, fencing, and other deterrents to reduce possible human disturbance;
6) Requiring construction to occur outside of the blooming season (i.e., construction could occur
September through March), involving possibly delaying the project by more than 60 days;
7) Requiring specialized reclamation procedures (e.g., separating soil and subsoil layers with
barriers to reclaim in the correct order and additional emphasis on forbs in seed mixes to promote
pollinator habitat);
8) Long term monitoring of the species and/or habitat;
9) Using a qualified, independent third -party contractor to provide general oversight and assure
47
compliance with project terms and conditions;
10) Non-native or invasive species monitoring and control. These measures may also be applied to
projects near suitable habitat that may hold special value or to provide protection to suitable
habitat that may allow for species' expansion; and/or
11) Consideration of off -site mitigation such as conservation easements or mitigation banking to
offset impacts to occupied plant populations, adequate funding of research, or habitat
protection/improvement projects.
WR-LN-09 -Prairie DOA' Towns
Lands within this lease parcel involve prairie dog ecosystems that constitute potential habitat for
wild or reintroduced populations of the federally endangered black -footed ferret. Conservation and
recovery efforts for the black -footed ferret are authorized by the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(as amended). The successful lessee may be required to perform special conservation measures
prior to and during lease development. These measures may include one or more of the following:
1) Participating in the preparation of a surface use plan of operations with BLM, FWS, and CPW,
which will be expected to integrate and coordinate long term lease development with measures
necessary to minimize adverse impacts to black -footed ferrets or their habitat;
2) Abiding by special daily and seasonal activity restrictions on construction, drilling, product
transport, and service activities;
3) Incorporating special modifications to facility siting, design, construction, and operation;
and/or
4) Providing in -kind compensation for habitat loss and/or displacement (e.g., special on site
rehabilitation/revegetation measures or off -site habitat enhancement).
WR-LN-10-Wild Horse Habitat
This lease parcel encompasses a portion of a wild horse herd management area (HMA). In order to
protect wild horses within this area, intensive development activities may be delayed for a
specified 60 -day period within the spring foaling period between March 1 and June 15.
The lessee may be required to perform special conservation measures within the wild horse
management area including:
1) Habitat improvement projects within the HMA in areas adjacent to development if such
development displaces wild horses from crucial habitat;
2) Disturbed watering areas will be replaced with an equal source of water, having equal utility;
and/or
3) Activity/improvements will provide for unrestricted movement of wild horses between summer
and winter ranges.
WR-LN-11-Cultural Resources
This lease may be found to contain historic properties and/or resources protected under the
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Native
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Executive Order 13007, or other statutes and
executive orders. The BLM will not approve any ground disturbing activities that may affect any
such properties or resources until it completes its obligations (e.g., State Historic Preservation
Officer (SHPO) and tribal consultation) under applicable requirements of the NHPA and other
48
authorities. The BLM may require modification to exploration or development proposals to protect
such properties, or disapprove any activity that is likely to result in adverse effects that cannot be
successfully avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
BLM Stipulation NSO
CO-NSO-GRSG-1-Greater Sage grouse (GRSG) Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA)
Greater Sage -grouse (GRSG) Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA) is open to fluid mineral
leasing and subject to No Surface Occupancy (NSO).
Objective: To manage fluid mineral leasing and development (including geothermal) in GRSG
habitat management areas to avoid, minimize, and compensate for adverse impacts to GRSG
habitat to the extent practical under the law and BLM jurisdiction.
Exception 1: The Authorized Officer may consider and grant an exception to the NSO stipulation
within 1 mile of occupied leks in PHMA if it can be demonstrated that development and surface
occupancy will have no direct impacts to or disruption of GRSG or its habitat based on at least one
of the following conditions — after documenting the review of available information associated
with the site proposed for the exception — both internally compiled and as provided by State,
County and other local agencies, tribal governments, project proponents, other federal agencies, or
interested stakeholders:
I. The location of the proposed authorization is determined to be non -habitat (refer to Appendix 6,
Glossary; as determined by a qualified biologist and confirmed by BLM using Criteria Based
Management for Non -Habitat methods outlined in the Greater Sage -grouse Rangewide Planning
Record of Decision (ROD) and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment (ARMPA) for
Colorado (2025), does not provide important connectivity between habitat areas, and the project
includes design features to prevent indirect disturbance to or disruption of adjacent seasonal
habitats (whether adjacent seasonal habitat are within 1 mile of an occupied lek or greater than 1
mile from occupied leks that will impair their biological function.
II. Topography/areas of non -habitat create an effective barrier to adverse impacts (e.g., protected
from visual and audible disturbances to GRSG and its habitat).
III. By co -locating the proposed authorization with existing disturbance, no additional impacts will
be realized above those already associated with the existing similarly sized infrastructure,
including indirect disturbance to or disruption of adjacent seasonal habitats that will impair their
biological function.
Beyond considering an exception where no direct or indirect impacts on GRSG or its habitat will
occur, an exception could also be considered if the proposed location on public lands will be
undertaken as an alternative to a similar action occurring on a nearby non-public lands parcel (for
example, due to landownership patterns), and development on the public parcel in question will
eliminate impacts on more important and/or limited GRSG habitat (e.g., wet meadows, brood -
rearing habitat, etc.) on the non-public nearby parcel; this exception must also include measures
sufficient to allow the BLM to conclude in its documenting analysis that such benefits will endure
for the duration of the proposed action's impacts on public lands (e.g., confirmation of an
easement).
To approve this exception based on any of the above criteria, after coordination with the
appropriate State agency, the Authorized Officer must document that the proposed action satisfies
49
at least one of the criteria listed above. If the State agency does not concur with granting the
exception, the Authorized Officer must provide rationale for how the criteria are met considering
the information the State provides.
If the area associated with the proposed development seeking the exception (e.g., well pad,
compressor station, etc.) is in an area (neighborhood lek cluster or as appropriate an alternative
adaptive management unit as described and allowed in the adaptive management section) that has
met one of the adaptive management thresholds (hard or soft) (refer to Adaptive Management
section), no exceptions will be considered until the causal factor analysis is completed. If the
causal factor analysis concludes that development associated with the type of activity seeking the
exception is or could contribute to the threshold being met or not recovering, no exception will be
granted. If the causal factor analysis is inconclusive on cause, exceptions could be considered by
the authorized officer.
Exception 2: The Authorized Officer may consider and grant an exception to the NSO stipulation
associated with the remainder of PHMA beyond 1 mile from occupied leks if one of the following
criteria apply — after documenting the review of available information associated with the site
proposed for the exception — both internally compiled and as provided by State, County and other
local agencies, tribal governments, project proponents, other federal agencies, or interested
stakeholders:
I. The criteria presented in Exception #1. OR
II. Granting the exception must be in conformance with the RMP GRSG goal and habitat
objectives, and the impacts anticipated by the proposed activity will be addressed through
application of the mitigation hierarchy, including consideration of compensatory mitigation in
accordance with compensatory mitigation direction in the Mitigation section of the Greater Sage -
grouse Rangewide Planning ROD and ARMPA for Colorado (2025). To grant this exception
based on the use of compensatory mitigation, the compensatory mitigation direction in the
Mitigation section must be followed, though the compensation project must be completed and
habitat functionality documented before the exception is granted. The compensation must also
provide offsetting benefits to the population being impacted. If it can be demonstrated by a
qualified biologist and confirmed by the BLM, based on site -specific information (using tools
such as the Habitat Assessment Framework), that the project cannot be avoided or minimized and
granting the mitigated exception will not result in adverse effects to GRSG seasonal habitats.
Prior to granting an exception to an NSO stipulation the potential exception shall be subject to
public review for at least a 30 -day period (e.g., could be part of the APD NEPA process) and all
exceptions granted will be tracked in a public place and the exception tracker will be consulted
when exceptions are being considered.
If the area associated with the proposed development seeking the exception (e.g., well pad,
compressor station, etc.) is in an area (neighborhood cluster or CO Management Zone) that has
met one of the adaptive management thresholds (hard or soft) (refer to Adaptive Management
Section in the Greater Sage -grouse Rangewide Planning ROD and ARMPA for Colorado (2025),
no exceptions will be considered until the causal factor analysis is completed. If the causal factor
analysis concludes that development associated with the type of activity seeking the exception is
or could contribute to the threshold being met or not recovering, no exception will be granted. If
the analysis is inconclusive on cause, exceptions could be considered.
50
Modification: The Authorized Officer may consider and grant a modification to the fluid mineral
lease NSO stipulation, allowing for surface occupancy only where:
1) An exception is granted, as described above, for the primary disturbance (e.g., well pad,
compressor station), AND
2) The potential associated infrastructure related to the development is not individually precluded
by other actions (e.g., roads, pipelines, power lines that could otherwise be considered through a
ROW).
While the NSO stipulation could be modified for these additional developments, they must still
comply with other GRSG management actions (e.g., mitigation, disturbance cap, minerals/energy
density, seasonal restrictions, RDFs, etc.) if an exception to the NSO is granted.
Prior to modifying the area subject to the NSO stipulation, the potential modification shall be
subject to public review for at least a 30 -day period (e.g., could be part of the APD NEPA
process).
If the area (neighborhood cluster or Colorado Management Zone (MZ)) associated with the
proposed exception has met one of the adaptive management thresholds (hard or soft) (refer to
Adaptive Management section in the Greater Sage -grouse Rangewide Planning ROD and ARMPA
for Colorado (2025)), no modification will be considered until the causal factor analysis is
completed. If the causal factor analysis concludes that development associated with the type of
activity seeking the exception is or could contribute to the threshold being met or not recovering,
no modification will be granted. If the analysis is inconclusive on cause, modifications could be
considered.
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may consider and grant a waiver of the NSO stipulation on an
existing lease after documenting, in coordination with the appropriate State agency, that the lease
with the GRSG NSO stipulation is no longer in PHMA. This will only be applicable on leases that
were issued when the parcel was in PHMA, then the PHMA boundaries were subsequently
adjusted through the appropriate planning process.
Prior to waiving the NSO stipulation for a given area, the potential waiver shall be subject to
public review for at least a 30 -day period (e.g., could be part of the APD NEPA process).
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-1-Bat Maternity Roosts and Hibernacula
No surface occupancy or use is allowed (except when the decision is in conflict with public safety)
within a 350 -foot (107 meters) radius of the entrance of special status bat maternity roosts,
bachelor colonies, hibernacula, and fall swarming sites as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS
database, or other maps provided by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and
accepted by the BLM.
Purpose: To protect sensitive bat maternity roosts and hibernacula.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
51
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-2-Prairie DOA' Colonies
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within active prairie dog colonies as mapped in the RMP,
BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are
analyzed and accepted by the BLM.
Purpose: To protect the integrity of prairie dog colonies and other associated species (burrowing
owl and/or black -footed ferret).
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
52
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-3-Swift Fox
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within 0.25 mile (0.4 kilometer) of occupied maternal
swift fox dens as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local,
state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM.
Purpose: To protect swift fox dens.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSOSSSpecies-4Black-Footed Ferret Habitat
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within active prairie dog colonies occupied by black -
footed ferrets as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state,
federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM.
Purpose: To protect black -footed ferret habitat.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
53
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-7-Special Status Plant Species
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within occupied suitable special status plant species
habitat as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state,
federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM.
Purpose: To mitigate effects on special status plant species from direct and indirect impacts and
loss of habitat.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
54
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSO SSSpecies-8 Bald Eagle
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within a 0.25 -mile (0.4 -kilometer) radius of bald eagle
winter roosts, and 0.5 mile (0.8 kilometer) of active or historic nest sites to maintain the integrity
of sites and surrounding habitat as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps
provided by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM.
Purpose: To protect bald eagle nest and roost sites.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
In addition, an EXCEPTION may be granted depending on the status of the nest site or the
geographical relationship of topographic barrier and vegetation screening to the nest.
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-9-Golden Eagle
55
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within a 0.5 -mile (0.8 -kilometer) radius of golden eagle
active nest sites as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local,
state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM to maintain the
integrity of sites and surrounding habitat; and within a 0.25 -mile (0.4 -kilometer) radius of
abandoned nests with all or part of nest remaining.
Purpose: To protect golden eagle nest sites.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
In addition, an EXCEPTION may be granted depending on the status of the nest site or the
geographical relationship of topographic barrier and vegetation screening to the nest.
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSO SSSpecies-11-FerruJinous Hawk
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within a 0.5 -mile (0.8 -kilometer) radius of active or
inactive ferruginous hawk nest sites or associated alternate nests as mapped in the RMP, BLM's
GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed
and accepted by the BLM.
Purpose: To mitigate effects on ferruginous hawk nesting and fledgling habitat during use and
avoid nest abandonment.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
In addition, an EXCEPTION may be granted depending on the status of the nest site or the
geographical relationship of topographic barrier and vegetation screening to the nest.
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* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSO-SSSpecies-20-Amphibian Amphibian Breeding Sites
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within 0.5 mile (0.8 kilometer) of identified breeding sites
of special status amphibians as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided
by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM.
Purpose: To protect special status amphibian habitat.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
57
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSO-Water-4-Water Quality
For all areas outside the South Park Leasing Area, no surface occupancy or use is allowed within
500 feet (152 meters) of waterways, including wetlands, perennial water impoundments, perennial
streams, fens, and wetlands. For streams, the buffer will be measured from ordinary high water
mark (bank full stage), whereas for wetland features, the buffer will be measured from the edge of
the mapped extent.
Purpose: To maintain the proper functioning condition, including the vegetation, hydrologic and
geomorphic functionality of wetland features. Protect water quality, riparian zones, fens, fish
habitat, aquatic habitat, and provide a clean, reliable source of water for downstream users.
Buffers are expected to indirectly benefit migratory birds, wildlife habitat, amphibians, and other
species.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
58
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-NSO-Water-S-Water Quality
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within 100 horizontal feet (30 meters) as measured from
the top of the stream bank for all intermittent or ephemeral streams. If riparian vegetation extends
beyond the top of the stream bank, the buffer will be measured from the extent of the riparian
vegetation.
Surface occupancy or use may be restricted beyond 100 feet (33 meters), where activities would
adversely impact water quality and stream stability. Surface -disturbing activities may require
special engineering design, construction, and implementation measures, including re -location of
operations beyond 656 feet (200 meters) from the extent of water impoundments, streams, riparian
areas, and/or wetlands to protect water resources.
Purpose: To maintain the proper functioning condition, including the vegetation, hydrologic and
geomorphic functionality of wetland features. Protect water quality, riparian zones, fens, fish
habitat, aquatic habitat, and provide a clean, reliable source of water for downstream users.
Buffers are expected to indirectly benefit migratory birds, wildlife habitat, amphibians, and other
species.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO NSO-WIife-6-Raptor Nest
59
No surface occupancy or use is allowed within an area centered on a raptor nest site as mapped in
the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies
that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM to
maintain the integrity of nest sites and surrounding habitat. Buffer radii for non -special status
raptors are as follows:
• 0.5 mile (0.8 kilometer) — prairie falcon
• 0.25 mile (0.4 kilometer) — all other non -special status raptors (accipiters, falcons [except
kestrel], buteos, and owls)
Purpose: To protect the integrity of raptor nest sites.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
In addition, an EXCEPTION may be granted depending on the status of the nest site or the
geographical relationship of topographic barrier and vegetation screening to the nest.
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
WR-NSO-12-Steep Natural Slopes
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed on natural slopes greater than or equal to 50
percent (as defined by digital elevation model data).
Purpose: To protect soils on natural slopes greater than or equal to 50 percent.
Exception: The Authorized Officer may authorize surface occupancy if an environmental analysis
60
finds the nature of the proposed action could be conditioned so as not to negatively impact the
stability of or productivity of the steep slopes identified.
Modification: Site -specific modification may be granted by the Authorized Officer pending
determination that a portion of the proposed surface disturbance meets the following conditions:
1) More than 75 percent of the proposed surface disturbance and infrastructure are on stable soils
that are not on natural slopes greater than or equal to 50 percent; and
2) The proposed action utilizes construction, reclamation, and design features that stabilize the site
during occupation and restore the original contours after occupation.
Waiver: If better elevation data indicates that there are no natural slopes greater than or equal to 50
percent anywhere within the leasehold, the stipulation no longer applies.
WR-NSO-13-Impaired Stream Segments
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed within 500 feet of the following impaired
stream segments:
• Duck Creek tributary to Yellow Creek (COLCWH13b);
• Yellow Creek from Barcus Creek to the White River (COLCWH13c);
• Piceance Creek from Willow Creek to Hunter Creek (COLCWH14a);
• Piceance Creek from Ryan Gulch to the White River (COLCWH15); and
• Black Sulphur Creek (COLCWH2O).
These areas are within the Mesaverde play area.
Purpose: To allow for the improvement of water quality in these stream segments.
Exception: The Authorized Officer may authorize surface occupancy if an environmental analysis
finds the nature of the proposed action could be conditioned so as not to aggravate causes of
impairment or so it meets applicable Colorado Public Land Health Standards.
Modification: None.
Waiver: This NSO stipulation will be waived for individual stream segments if they are de listed
from the 303(d) list of impaired waters by Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment.
WR NSO-17-Endangered Colorado River Fish
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed within designated critical habitat for
federally listed fish species (e.g., 100 -year floodplain of the White River below Rio Blanco Lake).
Purpose: Confining surface disturbance and surface use activities to areas outside the flood prone
area would reduce the immediate risk of sediment and contaminant discharge into occupied
riverine habitat and the compromise of physical and biological habitat features that are essential to
the proper functioning condition of the aquatic systems that support federally listed fishes.
Exception: The Authorized Officer, in consultation with the FWS and CPW, may grant an
exception to this stipulation if environmental analysis establishes that the proposed action would
not adversely influence important fishery functions or compromise the integrity of constituent
elements of critical habitat. Exception requests will require the submission of a proponent -
prepared spill/leak contingency plan that would be analyzed integral with BLM's biological
61
assessment to the FWS.
Specific measures that could be considered for granting exceptions include, but would not be
limited to the following:
1) Pipelines could not be constructed in sites identified by the CPW or FWS as important for
Colorado pikeminnow reproduction and recruitment of young.
2) Pipelines transporting potential contaminants will be equipped with automatic shut off valves
and may be required to be double -walled where they cross the White River's 100 -year floodplain
or the lower mile of its larger perennial tributaries (e.g., Piceance Creek, Yellow Creek, Crooked
Wash).
Modification: The Authorized Officer, in consultation with the FWS, may modify the provisions
of the NSO if the proposed action can be sited, conducted, or conditioned to remain compatible
with habitat protection and species recovery objectives.
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may grant a waiver if the BLM, in consultation with the FWS,
establishes that the White River's designated critical habitat is incapable of serving the long term
requirements of Colorado pikeminnow and that this aquatic system no longer warrants
consideration as a recovery component for the four species of endangered Colorado River fishes.
WR-NSO-18-Raptor Nests - Other than Special Status Raptors (Except Golden Eagle & Prairie
Falcon)
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed within 0.19 mile (990 feet) of functional nest
sites of those raptors that are not considered special -status.
Purpose: To maintain the utility of the nest site and the surrounding physical and vegetation
character of the habitat for current and subsequent reproductive functions. This stipulation does
not apply to golden eagle or prairie falcon.
Exception: An exception may be granted if an environmental analysis of the proposed action
indicates that nature or conduct of the activity could be conditioned so as not to impair the utility
of nest for current or subsequent nesting activity or occupancy. An exception may also be granted
by the Authorized Officer consistent with policies derived from federal administration of the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Modification: The Authorized Officer may modify the NSO buffer distances or substitute with a
timing limitation, if an environmental analysis indicates that a portion of the area is nonessential to
nest utility or function, or that the proposed action could be conditioned so as not to impair the
utility of the nest site for current or subsequent nest activities or occupation. The stipulation may
also be modified if the proponent, BLM, and where necessary, other affected interests, negotiate
compensation that satisfactorily offsets anticipated impacts to raptor breeding activities and/or
habitats. Modifications could also occur if sufficient information is provided that supports the
contention that the action would not contribute to the suppression of breeding population densities
or the population's production or recruitment regime from a regional perspective. A modification
may be granted if the nest has remained unoccupied for a minimum of 5 years or conditions have
changed such that there is no reasonable likelihood of site occupation over a minimum 10 year
period.
62
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may grant a waiver if conditions have changed such that there is
no reasonable likelihood of site occupation within the lease area in the long term.
WR NSO-19 Special Status Raptor, Golden Eagle, & Prairie Falcon Nests
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed within 0.5 mile of functional nest sites of
federal endangered, threatened, proposed, and candidate raptor species; Colorado state
endangered, threatened, and special -status raptor species; BLM sensitive raptor species; golden
eagles, and prairie falcons.
Purpose: To maintain the integrity of the nest substrate and the character of habitat surrounding
the nest site.
Exception: An exception can be granted if an environmental analysis of the proposed action
indicates that nature or conduct of the activity could be conditioned so as not to impair the utility
of the nest site for current or subsequent nesting activity or occupancy. Section 7 consultation
procedures will be instituted in those instances where an exception is being considered that
involves a federally listed or proposed species. An exception to the NSO may also be granted by
the Authorized Officer consistent with policies and regulations derived from federal
administration of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Modification: The Authorized Officer may modify the stipulation buffer distances or substitute
with a timing limitation if an environmental analysis indicates that a portion of the area is
nonessential to nest utility or function, or that the proposed action could be conditioned so as not
to impair the utility of the nest site for current or subsequent nest activities or occupation.
Specifically, the buffer distance applied to burrowing owl nest burrows may be reduced to 0.25
mile where appropriate. The stipulation may also be modified if the proponent, BLM, FWS, and
where necessary, other affected interests, negotiate compensation that satisfactorily offsets
anticipated impacts to raptor breeding activities and/or habitats. Modifications could also occur if
sufficient information is provided that supports the contention that the action will not contribute to
the suppression of breeding population densities or the population's production or recruitment
regime from a regional perspective.
A modification may be granted if the nest has remained unoccupied for a minimum of five years
or conditions have changed such that there is no reasonable likelihood of site occupation over a
minimum 10 -year period. Section 7 consultation procedures will be instituted in those instances
where a modification is being considered that involves a federally listed or proposed species.
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may grant a waiver if conditions have changed such that there is
no reasonable likelihood that the lease area can support further nesting activity. Section 7
consultation procedures will be instituted in those instances where a waiver is being considered
that involves a federally listed or proposed species.
WRNSO-21 Bald Eagle Critical Night Roosts
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed within 0.25 mile of identified bald eagle
critical night roosts (as defined by the FWS).
Purpose: To maintain the integrity of the roost stand and the character of habitat surrounding the
roost site.
63
Exception: The Authorized Officer may also grant an exception if an environmental analysis
indicates that the nature or conduct of the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the
function or utility of the site for current or subsequent roosting activities or occupancy.
Modification: The no surface occupancy or use stipulation may be modified by the Authorized
Officer if an environmental analysis indicates that a portion of the area is nonessential to roost site
function or utility; or that the proposed action could be conditioned to not impair the function or
utility of the site for current or subsequent roosting activities or occupancy. The NSO may be
modified if the site has failed to support roosting activities over a minimum five year period.
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may grant a waiver if the area has changed such that there is no
reasonable likelihood of further winter roost functions taking place within the lease area.
WR NSO-25-Federally Listed Plant Species
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed within 660 feet of occupied and suitable
habitat for federally listed, proposed, and candidate plant species, including any new habitat
mapped as a result of future surveys.
Purpose: To protect federally listed, proposed, and candidate plant species and designated critical
habitat from direct and indirect impacts, including loss and degradation of habitat due to dust
transport, weed invasion, chemical and produced -water spills. It also reduces impacts to important
pollinators and their habitat.
Exception: The following exceptions may only be granted if they do not preclude the survival and
recovery of the species, as agreed or consulted upon by the BLM and FWS, with particular
emphasis on protecting populations within ACECs:
1) Maintenance of existing facilities.
2) Surface occupancy may be authorized within 330 feet of occupied habitat following an
environmental analysis and ESA Section 7 consultation or conference with the FWS (for species
listed under the ESA) that results in "no effect" or concurrence with a wholly beneficial effect
determination. Surface occupancy may be considered for actions when the overall impacts to the
species' habitat from an action would be less than compared to other project alternatives that
maintain a 330 foot buffer around occupied habitat. The proponent must convincingly demonstrate
through in-depth biological analyses and collaboration with BLM and FWS that any action within
330 feet is the least damaging option when compared to other project alternatives. The FWS must
concur with the proposed action in their Biological Opinion for approval of the exception to be
considered by the BLM.
3) Surface occupancy may be authorized within 330-660 feet of occupied habitat or anywhere
within suitable habitat if the proposed action results in insignificant (not reasonably
measured/detected), discountable (extremely unlikely to occur), or wholly beneficial effects (no
negative impacts) to occupied habitat or a similar level of impacts to suitable habitat (as defined
under ESA Section 7 implementing regulations).
4) Surface occupancy may be authorized anywhere within suitable habitat for new
construction/disturbances located adjacent to an existing disturbance if an environmental analysis
of the proposed action indicates that the activity could be conditioned so as to result in a much
reduced cumulative environmental impact to the species compared to other project alternatives.
5) Exceptions may be contingent on special design, construction, and implementation measures.
Mitigation measures may include, but are not limited to:
a) Relocation of operations by more than 660 feet;
64
b) Delaying operations by more than 60 days so that construction occurs outside of the blooming
season (i.e., construction could occur September through March;
c) Minimizing the area of disturbance;
d) Intensive control of fugitive dust;
e) Using signs, fencing, and other deterrents to reduce possible human disturbance;
f) Monitoring and control of invasive plants;
g) Specialized reclamation procedures (e.g., separating soil and subsoil layers with barriers to
reclaim in the correct order and additional emphasis on forbs in seed mixes to promote pollinator
habitat;
h) Long term monitoring of the species and/or habitat;
i) Use of a qualified, independent third -party contractor provide general oversight and assure
compliance with project terms and conditions; and/or
j) Consideration of off -site mitigation such as conservation easements, or mitigation banking to
offset impacts to occupied plant populations, adequate funding of research, or habitat
protection/improvement projects.
Modification: If the site has been unoccupied by the species for a minimum period of 20 years
then the habitat will be considered as suitable instead of occupied. Due to the persistence of the
seed bank and variability in environmental conditions related to germination, surveys would be
required over multiple years to make a determination that the area is no longer occupied. The
BLM will confer with FWS in determining whether an area should be considered as suitable or
occupied habitat.
Waiver: A waiver may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the species becomes extinct or if
the species is downgraded in status, the NSO stipulation may be replaced with less stringent
criteria.
WR NSO-26 BLM Sensitive Plant Species
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed within 330 feet of occupied or suitable
habitat for BLM sensitive plants.
Purpose: To protect BLM sensitive plant species from direct and indirect impacts, including loss
of habitat. The protection buffer reduces the risk of impacts to special status plant populations
from dust transport, weed invasion, chemical and produced -water spills. It also reduces impacts to
important pollinators and their habitat.
Exception: An exception may be granted by the Authorized Officer if it can be demonstrated that
the activity would not cause adverse impacts or have negligible impacts to occupied and suitable
habitat. An exception may be granted for maintenance of existing facilities or for new
construction/disturbances located adjacent to an existing disturbance if an environmental analysis
of the proposed action indicates that the activity could be conditioned so as to result in a much
reduced cumulative environmental impact to the species compared to other project alternatives. If
an exception is granted, special design, construction, reclamation, and implementation measures,
including relocation of operations and postponing construction by more than 60 days, may be
required. Specialized reclamation procedures may include:
1) Collection of seeds for sensitive plant species' genetic preservation, grow -out, and future
reclamation attempts; and
2) Using a higher percentage of forbs in the reclamation seed mix to promote pollinator habitat.
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Modification: The Authorized Officer may modify (increase, decrease, or relocate) the area
subject to the stipulation if it is determined that the nature or conduct of the activity, as proposed
or conditioned, would not impair values associated with the maintenance or recovery of the
species. If the site has been unoccupied by the species for a minimum period of 20 years then the
habitat will be considered as suitable instead of occupied. Due to the persistence of the seed bank
and variability in environmental conditions related to germination, surveys would be required over
multiple years to make a determination that the area is no longer occupied.
Waiver: If the species is removed from the Colorado BLM State Director's Sensitive Species List,
a waiver may be granted by the Authorized Officer or the NSO stipulation may be replaced with
less stringent criteria.
WR-NSO-34 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed within the boundaries of the following
ACECs: Dudley Bluffs, Yanks Gulch/Upper Greasewood Creek, Lower Greasewood Creek,
Raven Ridge, South Cathedral Bluffs, Deer Gulch, Ryan Gulch, Blacks Gulch, Coal Draw,
Moosehead Mountain, White River Riparian and Duck Creek.
Purpose: These ACECs contain fossils of high scientific value; fragile soils; cultural resources;
special status plants (federally listed, proposed, or candidate plant species, BLM sensitive
species), important biologically diverse plant communities; riparian areas; bald eagle roosts;
critical habitat for pikeminnow; and/or remnant vegetation associations.
Exception: The Authorized Officer may grant an exception to this stipulation if an environmental
analysis indicates that the nature or conduct of the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not
risk long-term or substantive compromise of the values or functions for which the ACEC was
established or subsequently serves. Resource inventories, appropriate for the resource affected,
may be required prior to considering any requests for exceptions. The granting of exceptions will
be conditioned on the results of ESA consultation, species recovery plans, law or regulation,
current BLM management policies, or resource -specific provisions expressed in related WRFO
RMP stipulations.
Modification: The Authorized Officer may alter the temporal or spatial configuration of the
applied NSO if an environmental analysis indicates that the action, as proposed or conditioned,
may be conducted without risking long-term or substantive compromise of the values or functions
for which the ACEC was established or subsequently serves.
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may waive the NSO if the ACEC no longer serves in the support
of those values or functions for which the ACEC was established or subsequently served and
where there is no reasonable likelihood of that utility being restored or redeveloping within
reasonable timeframes.
WR NSO-35-Tier 1 Areas within Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Units
No surface occupancy or disturbance will be allowed in Tier 1 areas within lands with wilderness
characteristics units. All acreage within land with wilderness characteristic units 24, 26, and 33 are
classified as Tier 1 areas and portions of land with wilderness characteristic units 1, 2, 19, 20, 21,
29, 32, and 34 are classified as Tier 1 areas (refer to Map 2-9).
Purpose: To protect wilderness characteristics as a priority over other multiple uses.
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Exception: None.
Modification: None.
Waiver: None.
BLM Stipulation TL
CO-TL-BG-1-Big Game Winter Range High Priority Habitat
Prohibit surface use and surface -disturbing and disruptive activities during the following time
period(s) in the big game winter range high priority habitat as mapped by Colorado Parks and
Wildlife (CPW) and analyzed and accepted by the BLM:
• Bighorn sheep winter range - November 1 to April 30;
• Elk and mule deer severe winter range and winter concentration areas, - December 1 to April 30;
and
• Pronghorn winter concentration areas - January 1 to April 30.
Purpose: To reduce disruption of big game during the winter season in crucial big game winter
habitat.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
In addition, an EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, or WAIVER may be granted in coordination
with CPW. This may require additional compensatory mitigation to offset the adverse impacts
associated with high intensity activities (e.g., construction, drilling, and completions) that would
provide conservation benefits sufficient to offset the residual direct and indirect impacts to big
game HPH caused by the proposed oil and gas activities.
* An exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
A modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or
for the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation
may or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive
criteria are applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to
the stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
A waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
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the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
CO -TL BG-2-Bid Game Production High Priority Habitat (HPH)
Prohibit surface use and surface -disturbing and disruptive activities during the following time
period(s) in the big game production high priority habitat as mapped by Colorado Parks and
Wildlife (CPW) and analyzed and accepted by the BLM:
• Bighorn sheep production areas - Rocky Mtn bighorn sheep April 15 - June 30, Desert bighorn
sheep - February 1 to May 1;
• Elk production (calving) areas - May 15 to June 30.
Purpose: To reduce behavioral disruption during big game parturition and early young rearing
periods.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
In addition, an EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, or WAIVER may be granted in coordination
with CPW. This may require additional compensatory mitigation to offset the adverse impacts
associated with high intensity activities (e.g., construction, drilling, and completions) that would
provide conservation benefits sufficient to offset the residual direct and indirect impacts to big
game HPH caused by the proposed oil and gas activities.
* An exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
A modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or
for the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation
may or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive
criteria are applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to
the stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
A waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
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CO-TL-GRSG-1-Greater Sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA) and
General Habitat Management Area (GHMA)
New leases in Priority Habitat Management Area (PHMA) and General Habitat Management Area
(GHMA) are subject to Timing Limitation stipulations (GRSG TL -1) to minimize impacts to
GRSG during lekking, nesting, and early brood -rearing. No activity associated with construction,
drilling, or completions within 4 miles from occupied leks during lekking, nesting, and early
brood -rearing (March 1 to July 15). Authorized Officer could grant an exception, modification, or
waiver in consultation with the State of Colorado.
Objective: To minimize impacts to GRSG during lekking, nesting, and early brood -rearing, and
manage fluid mineral leasing and development (including geothermal) in GRSG habitat
management areas to avoid, minimize, and compensate for adverse impacts to GRSG habitat to
the extent practical under the law and BLM jurisdiction.
Exception: The Authorized Officer may consider and provide temporary relief from seasonal
constraints by granting an exception after documenting the review of available information,
including best available science, associated with the site proposed for the exception. This direction
applies in PHMA, GHMA, and all other state identified HMAs. While the BLM considers
information from all sources, the State wildlife agency can provide information directly associated
with bird use (including whether GRSG populations are not using the seasonal habitat during that
year's seasonal life cycle period if available). Based on this information and recommendation, and
documented variability in climatic conditions (e.g., early/late spring, long/heavy winter), use
patterns, or other applicable information the Authorized Officer may consider a one-time
exception if development associated with it will not have direct/indirect negative impacts on
GRSG and/or their habitat.
Modification: The BLM can and does grant modifications to seasonal restrictions if the BLM, in
coordination with the state wildlife agency and other appropriate state authorities, on a case -by -
case basis, determines that granting the modification will not adversely impact the population
being protected. The authorized officer may consider and grant a modification to the dates and
areas associated with seasonal timing restrictions based on one of the criteria described below —
after documenting the review of available information associated with the site proposed for the
modification, if:
1) The geographic and temporal conditions demonstrate that any modification
(shortening/extending seasonal timeframes) is justified on the basis that it serves to better protect
or enhance GRSG and its habitat than if the strict application of seasonal timing restrictions is
implemented. Under this scenario, modifications can occur if one or more of the following
conditions can be documented:
a. A proposed authorization is expected to have beneficial or neutral impacts on GRSG and its
habitat.
b. Topography or other factors eliminate direct and indirect impacts from visibility and
audibility to GRSG and its
habitat.
c. There are documented local variations that indicate the seasonal life cycle periods are
different than presented.
2) Modifications are needed to address an immediate public health and/or safety concern in a
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timely manner (e.g., maintaining a road impacted by flooding).
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may consider and grant a waiver of the stipulation on an existing
lease if the area that was mapped as a GRSG habitat management area (regardless of type) when
the lease was issued is no longer mapped as such through the appropriate planning process.
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-3-Wintering Bald Eagles
No surface use for fluid mineral development is allowed within a 1 -mile (1.6 -kilometer) radius
around bald eagle nest sites as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided
by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM from January
1 to August 31 and around winter roost sites from November 15 to March 15.
Purpose: To protect nesting, nest -centered courtship, nest attentiveness and construction or repair,
egg -laying, incubation, feeding of nestlings, and post -fledging use of the nest; and prevent
disruption of wintering bald eagles at winter roost sites.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
In addition, an EXCEPTION may be granted depending on the status of the nest site or the
geographical relationship of topographic barrier and vegetation screening to the nest.
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-5-Golden Eagle Nesting
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No surface use for fluid mineral development is allowed within a 0.5 -mile (0.8 -kilometer) radius
around golden eagle nest sites as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps
provided by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM
from January 1 to August 31.
Purpose: To mitigate effects on golden eagle nesting, nest -centered courtship, nest attentiveness
and construction or repair, egg -laying, incubation, feeding of nestlings, and post -fledging use of
the nest.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-8-Ferruginous Hawk Nest Sites
All surface -disturbing activities (beyond that which historically occurred prior to nest
establishment) may be restricted within a 0.5 -mile (0.8 -kilometer) radius of ferruginous hawk nest
sites as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state, federal,
or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM from February 1 to July 15.
Purpose: To mitigate effects on ferruginous hawk reproductive activity at nest sites and avoid nest
abandonment.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
EXCEPTION: In addition to the standard exception, this stipulation may be excepted for the
following:
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• Project site location relative to the size and spatial arrangement of habitat, presence of open
roads and trails, and other
existing background or historical disturbances
• Length of time that activities would encroach on the period of the restriction period
• Number of vehicle trips per day in and out of the work site
• Occupancy of the area by ferruginous hawk
• Cumulative impacts on ferruginous hawk habitat (such as other activities in the area)
• Status of the nest site or the geographical relationship of topographic barrier and vegetation
screening to the nest
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-TL SSSpecies-10 Burrowing Owl Nest Sites
No surface use for fluid mineral development is allowed within a 300 -foot (91 -meter) radius of
active burrowing owl nest sites as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps
provided by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM
from March 1 to August 15.
Purpose: To protect burrowing owl reproductive activity at nest sites and avoid nest abandonment.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
72
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-TL-SSSpecies-12-Mountain Plover Nesting
No surface use for fluid mineral development is allowed within suitable mountain plover nesting
habitat as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state,
federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM from April 10 to July 31.
Purpose: To protect mountain plover reproductive activity at nest sites and avoid nest
abandonment.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
73
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-TL-Wlife-1-Big Game Crucial Winter Habitat
All surface -disturbing activities may be restricted during the following time periods for big game
winter range:
• Mule deer severe winter range; white-tailed deer winter range; elk winter concentration areas and
severe winter range;
and moose winter range — December 1 to April 30
• Pronghorn winter concentration areas — January 1 to April 30
• Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep winter range — November 1 to April 30
as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state, federal, or
tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM.
Purpose: To reduce disruption of big game during the winter season in crucial winter habitat.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
EXCEPTION (additional):
• Vegetation treatments provided treatments are demonstrably beneficial for target species without
being detrimental to
wildlife communities
Other factors to consider for exceptions:
• Winter conditions (such as snow cover and crusting) at the project site and vicinity
• Period of winter in which the exception is requested (e.g., early winter or late winter)
• Project site location relative to the size and spatial arrangement of habitat, presence of open
roads and trails, and other
existing background or historical disturbances
• Length of time that activities would encroach on the period of the winter range stipulation
• Number of vehicle trips per day in and out of the work site
• Time of day that activity occurs (after dark is generally prohibited)
• Actual big game use of the area and herd status/activities;
• Cumulative impacts on big game (such as other activities in the area)
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
74
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-TL-Wlife-3-Greater Prairie Chicken Lek Sites
Surface occupancy or use may be restricted within 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) of active greater
prairie chicken leks as mapped in the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by
local, state, federal, or tribal agencies that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM from March 1 to
June 30. Activity is only allowed within this time period between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Purpose: To protect greater prairie chicken lek sites and the integrity of the surrounding habitat
during the brood rearing season.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
75
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-TL-Wlife-9-Migratory Birds
Avoid actions that disturb live or dead/dying vegetation in previously undisturbed settings from
May 15 to July 15 or as site -specific analyses dictate when nesting migratory birds are present.
Purpose: To protect migratory bird nesting activity.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
EXCEPTION (additional): An exception to this timing limitation will be granted if nesting
surveys conducted no more than one week prior to vegetation -disturbing activities indicate no
nesting within 100 feet (30 meters) of the area to be disturbed. Surveys shall be conducted by a
qualified breeding bird surveyor between sunrise and 10:00 a.m. under favorable conditions.
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
RGFO-TL-Wlife-12 Raptor Nesting
Surface occupancy or use may be restricted (beyond what historically occurred prior to nest
establishment) to protect raptor nesting and fledgling habitat during use.
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The timing limitation is applied within a 0.25 -mile (0.4 -kilometer) radius of the nest as mapped in
the RMP, BLM's GIS database, or other maps provided by local, state, federal, or tribal agencies
that are analyzed and accepted by the BLM on species -specific dates as follows:
The timing limitation is applied within a 0.5 -mile (0.8 -kilometer) radius of the nest on species -
specific dates as follows:
• Prairie falcon — March 15 to July 15
The timing limitation is applied within a 0.25 -mile (0.4 -kilometer) radius of the nest on species -
specific dates as follows:
• Non -special status owls — February 15 to July 15
• Swainson's hawk — April 1 to July 15
• Osprey — April 1 to August 31
• Cooper's hawk, sharp -shinned hawk — April 15 to July 15.
• Red-tailed hawk — February 15 to July 15.
• All other non -special status raptors (accipiters, falcons [except kestrel], buteos, and owls):
January 1 to July 15.
Purpose: To reduce disruption of raptor nesting and fledgling habitat.
Standard EXCEPTION, MODIFICATION, and WAIVER criteria apply. *
* Exception is a one-time exemption for a particular site within the leasehold or project area;
exceptions are determined on a case -by -case basis; the stipulation continues to apply to all other
sites within the leasehold or project area. The BLM authorized officer may grant an exception to a
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project have
changed sufficiently such that (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified
or necessary to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or (2) proposed operations would
not cause unacceptable impacts.
Modification is a change to the provisions of a lease stipulation or project either temporarily or for
the lease term or length of the project. Depending on the specific modification, the stipulation may
or may not apply to all sites within the leasehold or project area to which the restrictive criteria are
applied. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation or the area subject to the
stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its inclusion in the lease or project area
have changed sufficiently. The BLM authorized officer may modify a stipulation as a result of
new information if (1) the protection provided by the stipulation is no longer justified or necessary
to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, (2) the protection provided by the stipulation
is no longer sufficient to meet resource objectives established in the RMP, or 3) proposed
operations would not cause unacceptable impacts.
Waiver is a permanent exemption from a lease or project stipulation. When a waiver is granted,
the stipulation no longer applies anywhere within the leasehold or project area. The BLM
authorized officer may waive a stipulation if it is determined that the factors leading to its
inclusion in the lease or project no longer exist.
77
WR-TL-15-Raptor Nests (Not Considered Special Status Species)
Surface -disturbing and disruptive activities will not be allowed within 0.25 mile of active nest
sites of those raptors that are not considered special -status during the period from nest territory
establishment to dispersal of young from nest (within a period from February 1 through August
31).
Purpose: To prevent disruptions of nesting raptors that may result in absences of adults sufficient
to cause direct or indirect mortality of the eggs or young or the premature departure of young from
the nest.
Exception: An exception to the TL can be granted if an environmental analysis of the proposed
action indicates that nature or conduct of the activity could be conditioned so as not to interfere
with adult attendance and visitation of the nest site, jeopardize survival of the eggs or nestlings, or
otherwise impair the utility of nest for current or subsequent nesting activity or occupancy. The
Authorized Officer may also grant an exception if the nest is unattended or remains unoccupied by
May 15 of the project year. An exception may be granted to these dates by the Authorized Officer,
consistent with policies derived from federal administration of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Modification: The Authorized Officer may modify the TL dates or buffer distances if an
environmental analysis indicates that a portion of the area is nonessential to nest utility or
function, or that the proposed action could be conditioned so as not to interfere with adult
attendance and visitation of the nest site, jeopardize survival of the eggs or nestlings, or otherwise
impair the utility of the nest site for current or subsequent nest activities or occupation. The
stipulation may also be modified if the proponent, BLM, and where necessary, other affected
interests, negotiate compensation that satisfactorily offsets anticipated impacts to raptor breeding
activities and/or habitats. Modifications could also occur if sufficient information is provided that
supports the contention that the action would not contribute to the suppression of breeding
population densities or the population's production or recruitment regime from a regional
perspective. A modification may be granted if the nest has remained unoccupied for a minimum of
5 years or conditions have changed such that there is no reasonable likelihood of site occupation
over a minimum 10 year period.
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may grant a waiver if conditions have changed such that there is
no reasonable likelihood of site occupation within the lease area in the long term.
WR-TL-17-Golden Eagle & Prairie Falcon Nests
Surface -disturbing and disruptive activities will not be allowed within 0.5 mile of active nest sites
of golden eagle and prairie falcon during the period from nest territory establishment to dispersal
of young from nest (within a period from February 1 through August 31).
Purpose: To prevent disruptions of nesting raptors that may result in absences of adults sufficient
to cause direct or indirect mortality of the eggs or young or the premature departure of young from
the nest.
Exception: An exception to the TL can be granted if an environmental analysis of the proposed
action indicates that nature or conduct of the activity could be conditioned so as not to interfere
with adult attendance and visitation of the nest site, jeopardize survival of the eggs or nestlings, or
78
otherwise impair the utility of nest for current or subsequent nesting activity or occupancy. The
Authorized Officer may also grant an exception if the nest is unattended or remains unoccupied by
May 15 of the project year. An exception may be granted to these dates by the Authorized Officer,
consistent with policies derived from federal administration of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Modification: The Authorized Officer may modify the TL dates or buffer distances if an
environmental analysis indicates that a portion of the area is nonessential to nest utility or
function, or that the proposed action could be conditioned so as not to interfere with adult
attendance and visitation of the nest site, jeopardize survival of the eggs or nestlings, or otherwise
impair the utility of the nest site for current or subsequent nest activities or occupation. The
stipulation may also be modified if the proponent, BLM, and where necessary, other affected
interests, negotiate compensation that satisfactorily offsets anticipated impacts to raptor breeding
activities and/or habitats. Modifications could also occur if sufficient information is provided that
supports the contention that the action would not contribute to the suppression of breeding
population densities or the population's production or recruitment regime from a regional
perspective. A modification may be granted if the nest has remained unoccupied for a minimum of
5 years or conditions have changed such that there is no reasonable likelihood of site occupation
over a minimum 10 year period.
Waiver: The Authorized Officer may grant a waiver if conditions have changed such that there is
no reasonable likelihood of site occupation within the lease area in the long term.
WR-TL-19-Bald Eagle Nests
Surface disturbing and disruptive activities will not be allowed within 0.5 mile of identified nests
of bald eagles from November 15 through July 31 or until fledging and dispersal of young.
Purpose: To prevent disruptions of nesting raptors that may result in absences of adults sufficient
to cause direct or indirect mortality of the eggs or young or the premature departure of young from
the nest, injury to birds, or prompt abandonment of the nest site.
Exception: An exception may be granted to these dates by the Authorized Officer, if authorization
is obtained from the FWS (through applicable provisions of the Endangered Species Act, Eagle
Protection Act, or Migratory Bird Treaty Act) to disturb, harass, harm, wound, or kill in the
context of active nesting attempts. An exception can also be granted if an environmental analysis
of the proposed action indicates that nature or conduct of the activity could be conditioned so as
not to impair the utility of nest for current or subsequent nesting activity or occupancy. The
Authorized Officer may also grant an exception if the nest is unattended or remains unoccupied by
May 15 of the project year.
Modification: The Authorized Officer may modify the size of the stipulation area if an
environmental analysis indicates that a portion of the area is nonessential to nest utility or
function, or that the proposed action could be conditioned so as not to impair the utility of the nest
site for current or subsequent nest activities or occupation. If the species status is downgraded, or
if the species is delisted, the size of the TL area may be reduced.
Waiver: A waiver may be granted if the nest has remained unoccupied for a minimum of 5 years
or conditions have changed such that there is no reasonable likelihood of site occupation over a
minimum 10 year period.
79
WR-TL-20-Bald Eagle Critical Night Roosts
Surface disturbing and disruptive activities will not be allowed within 0.5 mile of identified bald
eagle critical night roosts from November 15 through March 15.
Purpose: To prevent disruptions to bald eagles that may result in eagle injury, reduced
productivity, or abandonment of the site.
Exception: An exception may be granted to these dates by the Authorized Officer, if authorization
is obtained from the FWS (through applicable provisions of the Eagle Protection Act or Migratory
Bird Treaty Act) to disturb, harass, harm, wound, or kill in the context of ongoing roosting
activities and/or short or long term adverse modification of suitable roost site characteristics. An
exception can also be granted if an environmental analysis of the proposed action indicates that
nature or conduct of the activity could be conditioned so as not to impair the utility of the site for
current or subsequent roosting activities or occupancy. An exception may also be granted if forms
of compensation are satisfactorily negotiated which fully offset losses associated with project
implementation.
Modification: The Authorized Officer may modify the size of the stipulation area or timeframes if
an environmental analysis indicates that a portion of the area is nonessential to roost site function
and utility, or that the proposed action could be conditioned so as not to impair the utility of the
roost site for current or subsequent roosting activities or occupancy.
Waiver: A waiver may be granted if the species becomes extinct, the site has failed to support
roosting activities over a minimum 5 year period, or if the site conditions have changed such that
there is no reasonable likelihood of site occupation over a minimum 10 year period.
WR-TL-21-Bald Eagle Winter Hunting Perches
Surface disturbing and disruptive activities will not be allowed within 0.25 mile of identified bald
eagle winter hunting perches from November 15 through March 15.
Purpose: To prevent disruptions to bald eagles that may elevate energetic demands or displace
birds from favored foraging areas.
Exception: An exception may be granted to these dates by the Authorized Officer, if authorization
is obtained from the FWS (through applicable provisions of the Eagle Protection Act or Migratory
Bird Treaty Act) to harass, harm, wound, or kill in the context of ongoing perching activities
and/or short or long term adverse modification of suitable winter hunting perch characteristics. An
exception can also be granted if an environmental analysis of the proposed action indicates that
nature or conduct of the activity could be conditioned so as not to impair the utility of the site for
current or subsequent perching activities or occupancy. An exception may also be granted if forms
of compensation are satisfactorily negotiated which fully offset losses associated with project
implementation.
Modification: The Authorized Officer may modify the size of the stipulation area or timeframes if
an environmental analysis indicates that a portion of the area is nonessential to perch site function
and utility, or that the proposed action could be conditioned so as not to impair the utility of the
perch site for current or subsequent perching activities or occupancy.
80
Waiver: A waiver may be granted if the species becomes extinct, the site has failed to support
perching activities over a minimum 5 year period, or if the site conditions have changed such that
there is no reasonable likelihood of site occupation over a minimum 10 year period.
81
Form 3000-2
(January 2021)
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
COMPETITIVE OIL AND GAS OR
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES LEASE BID
Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.)
Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands of 1947 (30 U.S.C. 351-359)
Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001-1025)
Depailrrrent of the Interior Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 1981 (42 U.S.C. 6508)
Geographic State
Date of Sale
THE BID IS FOR (check one):
AMOUNT OF TOTAL BID (see instructions below)
Oil and Gas Serial/Parcel No.
Geothermal Serial/Parcel No.
NPR -A Tract No.
Joint Bidders (see instructions below)
AMOUNT OF TOTAL BID
PAYMENT SUBMITTED
WITH BID
The appropriate regulations applicable to this bid are: (1) for oil and gas leases -43 CFR 3120; (2) for National Petroleum Reserve -Alaska (NPR -A)
leases -43 CFR 3132; and (3) for Geothermal resources leases -43 CFR 3203. (See details concerning lease qualifications on next page.)
I CERTIFY THAT I have read and am in compliance with; and not in violation of the lessee qualification requirements under the applicable regulations
for this bid.
I CERTIFY THAT this bid is not in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1860, which prohibits unlawful combination or intimidation of bidders. I further certify that
this bid was arrived at independently and is tendered without collusion with any other bidder for the purpose of restricting competition.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Execution of this form, where the offer is the high bid, constitutes a binding lease offer, including all applicable terms and
conditions. Failure to comply with the applicable laws and regulations under which this bid is made will result in rejection of the bid and forfeiture of
all monies submitted.
Print or Type Name of Lessee Signature of Lessee or Bidder
Address of Lessee
(City)
(State) (Zip Code)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OIL AND GAS OR GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES BID
(Except NPR -A)
1.Separate bid form for each lease/parcel or block is required. Identify by the serial/
parcel number assigned in the Notice of Competitive Lease Sale.
2.Bid must be accompanied by the national minimum acceptable bid (oil and gas:
$2.00 per acre; geothermal: twenty percent of the total bid), the first year's rental
(oil and gas: $1.50 per acre; geothermal: $2.00 per acre), and the administrative
fee (see 43 CFR 3000.12). The remittance must be in the form specified: (1) for
oil and gas leases in 43 CFR 3103.1-1; and (2) for geothermal resources leases in
43 CFR 3203.17. The remainder of the bonus bid, if any, must be submitted to the
proper Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office within 10 working days for oil
and gas, and 15 calendar days for geothermal, after the last day of the competitive
auction. Failure to submit the remainder of the bonus bid within the statutory
(or regulatory) timeframe will result in rejection or revocation, as appropriate,
of the bid offer and forfeiture of all monies paid.
3. If the bidder is not the sole party in interest in the lease for which the bid is
submitted, all other parties in interest may be required to furnish evidence of their
qualifications upon written request by the BLM.
4.This bid may be executed ( signed) before the competitive auction. If signed before
the competitive auction, this form cannot be modified without being executed
again. In view of this requirement, the bidder may wish to leave the AMOUNT OF
TOTAL BID section blank so that final bid amount may be either completed by the
bidder or the BLM at the close of the competitive auction.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OIL AND GAS:
NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE --ALASKA (NPR -A)
SEALED BID
1.Separate bid form for each tract is required.
2.AMOUNT OF TOTAL BID must be in whole dollar figure.
Bid must be accompanied by one -fifth of the amount of the
bid. The remittance must be in the form specified in 43 CFR
3132 for a NPR -A lease bid.
3. Mark the envelope "Sealed Bid for NPR -A Oil and Gas
Lease Sale". Be sure correct tract number on which the bid
is submitted and date of bid opening are noted plainly on
envelope. Use standard size envelopes not to exceed 4-1/2"
x 10-1/2". No bid may be modified or withdrawn unless
such modification or withdrawal is received prior to time
fixed for opening of bids.
4.Mail or deliver bid to the proper BLM office or place
indicated in the Notice of Competitive Lease Sale.
5.There is no limit to the number of joint bidders that may
participate. If joint bidders is marked above, attach on
a separate sheet the name and address of the additional
bidders, percent of interest of each bidder (total of all bidders
must equal 100%), and signature for each joint bidder.
Title 18 U.S.C. Section 1001 and Title 43 U.S.C. Section 1212 make it a crime for any person knowingly and willfully to make to any Department or
agency of the United States any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations as to any matter within its jurisdiction.
(Continued on Page 2) (Form 3000-2)
QUALIFICATIONS
For leases that may be issued as a result of this sale under the Mineral Leasing Act (The Act) of 1920, as amended, the bidder must:
(1) Be a citizen of the United States; an association (including partnerships and trusts) of such citizens; a municipality; or a corporation
organized under the laws of the United States or of any State or Territory thereof; (2) Be in compliance with the acreage limitation
requirements wherein the bidder's interests, direct and indirect, in oil and gas leases in the State identified do not exceed 246,080 acres
each in public domain or acquired lands including acreage covered by this bid, of which not more than 200,000 acres are under options. If
this bid is submitted for lands in Alaska, the bidder's holdings in each of the Alaska leasing districts do not exceed 300,000 acres, of which
no more than 200,000 acres are under options in each district; (3) Be in compliance with Federal coal lease holdings as provided in sec.
2(a)2(A) of the Act; (4) Be in compliance with reclamation requirements for all Federal oil and gas holdings as required by sec. 17 of the
Act; (5) Not be in violation of sec. 41 of the Act; and (6) Certify that all parties in this bid are in compliance with 43 CFR Groups 3000 and
3100 and the leasing authority cited herein.
For leases that may be issued as a result of this sale under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, as amended, the bidder must: (1)
Be a citizen of the United States who is at least 18 years of age; an association of such citizens; a municipality; a corporation organized
under the laws of the United States or of any State or Territory thereof; or a domestic governmental unit; and (2) Be in compliance with
the acreage limitation requirements wherein the bidder's interests, direct and indirect, do not exceed 51,200 acres, and (3) Certify that all
parties in this bid are in compliance with 43 CFR Group 3200 and the leasing authority cited herein.
For leases that may be issued as a result of this sale under the Department of the Interior Appropriations Act of 1981, the bidder
must: (1) Be a citizen or national of the United States; an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; a private, public or municipal
corporation organized under the laws of the United States or of any State or Territory thereof; an association of such citizens, nationals,
resident aliens or private, public or municipal corporations; and (2) Certify that all parties in interest in this bid are in compliance with 43
CFR Part 3130 and the leasing authority cited herein.
NOTICES
This form is exempt from the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1).
(Form 3000-2, Page 2)
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