Opposition is growing to drilling in the Thompson Divide, a 220,000 acre area of mountain terrain in Colorado's Central Rockies. According to Powder Magazine, there are currently 105,000 acres at risk for drilling by oil and gas companies after the Bush administration sold 61 ten-year mineral leases in 2003-2004. The land is legendary for its backcountry skiing, but locals and visitors alike also mountain bike, hike, fish, hunt, and ranch in the area. A group of stakeholders from Carbondale and Glenwood have formed the Thompson Divide Coalition to save the Divide by protecting the land from drilling. Instead of filing lawsuits, the Coalition is trying to buy back the leases from individual leaseholders and they have the support of the Environment Foundation, Aspen Skiing Company, and Colorado Senator Michael Bennett.
· Saving the Thompson Divide: Drilling threatens Colorado backcountry ski haven [Powder Magazine]
· Aspen Skiing Company Employees Make Biggest Donation Ever [Curbed Ski]