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Advocates reignite fight to keep Roan Plateau ‘pristine’ amid boom of BLM oil and gas leasing in Colorado
By Ali Longwell Follow
alongwell@postindependent.com at Aspen Times
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
Just northwest of Rifle, the Roan Plateau rises 3,000 feet above the Colorado River Valley, a towering wall of sandstone cliffs.
Once airborne, the mesa unfolds below as a patchwork of waterfalls and streams winding through aspen groves, juniper woodlands, Douglas fir and Gambel oak. The surro...
Key takeaway Once airborne, the mesa unfolds below as a patchwork of waterfalls and streams winding through aspen groves, juniper woodlands, Douglas fir and Gambel oak.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The debate over oil and gas leasing on the Roan Plateau has significant implications for Pitkin County residents, who value the region's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. As a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, the Roan Plateau's pristine landscape and diverse wildlife habitats are a major draw for tourists and locals alike. The potential for increased oil and gas development on the plateau could impact not only the environment, but also the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism and recreation. Furthermore, the Roan Plateau's proximity to the Roaring Fork Valley, which includes Aspen , means that any environmental degradation or increased industrial activity could have ripple effects on the valley's ecosystem and water quality. As the Bureau of Land Management considers new leases, Pitkin County residents will be watching closely to see how the decision will impact their community and the region's unique natural resources.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Aspen Times . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Just northwest of Rifle, the Roan Plateau rises 3,000 feet above the Colorado River Valley, a towering wall of sandstone cliffs.
Once airborne, the mesa unfolds below as a patchwork of waterfalls and streams winding through aspen groves, juniper woodlands, Douglas fir and Gambel oak. The surro...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ali Longwell Follow
alongwell@postindependent.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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