I'm a hunter, angler, retired military veteran, and a member of the Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. I'm worried about the last few wild places in our state, including the Roan Plateau. How tragic that the Denver Chamber of Commerce chose to promote a misleading poll that suggests a "solid majority" of Coloradans support drilling the Roan Plateau.

The Chamber's poll asked if respondents would support drilling the road to reduce dependence on "oil imports." This was a ridiculous question, as there's no oil under the Roan, only natural gas. The poll question was very deceiving. Consequently, the claim of statewide support is not credible. Conversely, a recent poll of more than 400 voters in Colorado's Third Congressional District — which includes the Roan Plateau — found that more than 70 percent favored protection over energy development. Support crossed party lines, and was very strong among hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most important issues we face in our country today is energy. Although we need natural gas, we should not sacrifice wildlife and the economies that depend on vibrant landscapes. In Colorado between 1982 and 2004, oil and gas companies had access to 15.8 million acres of public land — about one-fourth of the entire state. However, from 1989 to 2003, enough gas was produced to power the country for less than two weeks.

The Roan's public lands possess extremely valuable big game and cutthroat trout habitat. According to the BLM, some 21,000 acres hold significant wilderness qualities. As a minimum, the natural gas industry should be asked to delay tapping the gas under this small piece of the Roan Plateau until wells can be drilled directionally from lands already developed.

Big Game hunters and wild trout anglers are becoming an endangered species. Critical habitat is being lost each year on public lands in Colorado and across the nation. How long are we willing to allow wild places to shrink and disappear in the name of excess?

Coloradans should not allow the Denver Chamber's poll to represent the true feelings of the public. Let's do what's right — protect the Roan.