In 2009, an Aspen Times headline – “Conservationists, cowboys team to oppose gas leases near Carbondale” – announced the formation of a new group: the Thompson Divide Coalition (TDC). Wilderness Workshop was a founding member and ever since we’ve played a critical role in the efforts to permanently protect some of Colorado’s most spectacular wildlands from oil and gas development.

Together, we’ve made the Divide a landscape known far beyond Colorado and had some major wins along the way: cancellation of 25 illegal leases in the heart of the Divide; adoption of an Oil and Gas Plan that closed tens of thousands of acres to future leasing; community-created legislation supported by Colorado Senators; and much more!

Building on this decade-plus of work, in October 2022, President Biden added his name to the long list of people who are “Unified for Thompson Divide!” He directed Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to begin a two-year process to withdraw the Divide from future oil and gas leasing, as well as mining.

Thompson Divide float at 2022 Potato Days in Carbondale.

Called an administrative mineral withdrawal, it’s the strongest form of protection the administration can provide and will secure important interim protections for the next 20 years.

This is a huge step forward – and begins a new phase in our ongoing work to protect the Divide! A comment period commenced in October and we’ve been busy conducting analysis, gathering letters of support, and turning people out to a standing-room-only public meeting.

As we ensure the proposed withdrawal is implemented, we will continue our advocacy for a permanent legislative withdrawal through the CORE Act. Additionally, though we’ve succesfully cleared most leases from the books, the Divide still contains a small number we are working to make certain are never developed. Our years of legal, advocacy, and organizing work have set a strong foundation for this opportunity and the Thompson Divide will remain a key priority in 2023!

“This year was a pivotal one for the Thompson Divide – our success comes from years of enlisting and supporting an amazingly wide array of ranchers, hunters, elected officials, local business owners, and conservation partners in community advocacy for the Thompson Divide. Thank you for making this work possible!” – Erin Riccio, Wilderness Workshop Advocacy Director

The mid-elevation landscape of the Thompson Divide provides valuable wildlife habitat. Photo courtesy Jon Mullen/Ecostock.