Natural Resources Defense Council

The U.S. Forest Service is poised to hand over an unspoiled wildland in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains to Big Coal.

Tell the Forest Service to reject Arch Coal's request to build new coal mines and roads in the Sunset Roadless Area.

Arch Coal, the nation's second largest coal company, wants to expand its mining operations into this pristine area deep in the heart of the Rockies.

That would mean bulldozing miles of forestland to make way for new roads, well pads, drill rigs, and other industrial structures that would permanently scar the ecosystem.

The Sunset Roadless Area -- which is in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests -- provides critical winter habitat for Colorado's big game herds and species like the rare and threatened Canada lynx. Its rivers and streams support the imperiled Colorado River cutthroat trout and provide a sanctuary of recreation for so many people.

These lands are protected from roadbuilding and logging under the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. But Arch Coal’s plans would lay the groundwork to decimate the forest for the sole purpose of extracting more coal.

Tell the Forest Service to reject Arch Coal's proposal and keep the Sunset Roadless Area wild and free.

Thank you for taking action to protect our remaining wild forests.

Sincerely,
Frances Beinecke
President, Natural Resources Defense Council