"We're offering an alternative based on wildlife needs that suggests that there's some development that can occur in the area," Catlin said, "and part of the area needs to be conserved for wildlife needs."

The proposal was developed over 10 years with scientific consultation, he said. "In a nutshell, this proposal calls for more development than ... would meet wildlife needs."

Sage grouse, fish, antelope and raptors could be badly impacted by leasing, he said. "These species are like canaries in a coal mine," and when they're in trouble the larger ecosystem is in trouble, according to Catlin.

Ron Daniels, a member of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s energy advisory office, was at the meeting "just getting information.

"The governor's very interested in unconventional fuels," Daniels said, "and oil shale and tar sands are just two of them."

In addition to sessions in Wyoming and Colorado, and one Tuesday in Price, a final Utah meeting about the proposal is scheduled for Vernal from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Western Park Conservation Center, 302 E. 200 South.

Public comments on the PEIS are due by March 20. For more information, including ways to comment, go online to ostseis.anl.gov.

---

E-mail: bau@desnews.com