In the natural-color image at right the Roan Plateau assumes shades of green, brown, and beige, and deep canyons form branching, tree-like patterns on the landscape, and desert lands in the portions west of Meeker, Craig, and Rifle.

Irrigation enables crops to thrive in this largely arid environment, evidenced by the relative greenness of the orchards and lawns around Grand Junction, Colorado.

Released in final form in early 2008, the plan allowed for recovery of natural gas from beneath the plateau while setting aside 21,034 acres (85 square kilometers) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

In accordance with the Management Plan, the BLM leased 54,631 acres (221.08 km2) for gas development on the Roan Plateau in August 2008.

The lease sale received much criticism from those opposed to development on the plateau, including from Colorado Governor Bill Ritter.