The tribe announced plans to begin looking for oil, natural gas and other resources on 83,000 acres of tribal land on the reservation. The land in eastern Utah was designated as a federal strategic reserve in 1916 but has been untouched since then, tribal spokesman Larry Cesspooch said in mid-May. The tribe took possession in January under legislation signed by former President Clinton. “We know there’s resources in there. Natural gas is the richest element,” Cesspooch said. The tribe has a 50 percent stake in the deal, which is expected to produce consistent income. Cesspooch said the tribal land holding is surrounded by non-Indian lands that are currently being mined and drilled. The tribe wants a more active role in developing its resources, he said. The Utes will work with Dominion Exploration & Production and other collaborators. Another partner is Red Willow Production Co., the oil and gas operating company of the Southern Ute tribe in southwestern Colorado. Red Willow has been active in methane and oil and gas development for more than 10 years. Workers will drill test wells during the next two years. Environmentalists raised no immediate objection to the plan
