Northern San Juan Basin CBM EIS
USDA FS Content Analysis Team
P. O. Box 221150
Salt Lake City, UT 84122

RE: My comments on HD Mountains Roadless Area

Dear Forest Service staff,

I strongly urge you to not allow Colorado's HD Mountains Roadless Area to be destroyed by coalbed methane development. The proposed plan would severely harm wildlife, old growth forests, archeological sites and water resources in the last remaining wild refuge in the San Juan Basin.

The HD Mountain range is a unique lowland forest ecosystem, the only one of its kind left in the San Juan National Forest. The Forest Service's proposal would imperil both the wild qualities of the area, as well as the watershed for farmers and ranchers that live at the mountain edges.

I also oppose any alternative that would allow drilling and compressor stations in the roadless area of the HD Mountains. Building roads and drilling in Ignacio Creek and along the spine of the HDs could cause disastrous landslides and irreversible damage, devastating 87 percent of the area's old-growth ponderosa pine. These are some of the last best stands of old-growth in the region, ranging from 300 to 500 years old and providing key wildlife habitat.

Finally, I also oppose any drilling on the Fruitland Formation Outcrop. Drilling would kill vegetation, dry up wells and springs and cause underground coal fires and methane seepage into buildings, endangering homes, property and public safety.

Please reject ALL current alternatives, and instead develop a new alternative that would protect this unique region and the health of nearby residents.

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