The BLM has recently released a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the management of the 600,000 acre Jack Morrow Hills study area of the Red Desert. This BLM plan fails to protect the magnificent values of the Red Desert; even Alternative "B" the so-called resource protection alternative, allows oil and gas development, mining and new roads and utility lines in this fragile area.

What is needed is a fundamental shift in the way BLM manages the Red Desert: we're recommending a completely new management approach to ensure the protection and continued use of this national resource. This new approach is outlined in a document called the Citizens' Red Desert Protection Alternative that is currently being drafted by a coalition of conservation groups and interested citizens. This alternative would:

1. prohibit all new oil and gas leasing and mining activities;
2. prevent new roads and developments in roadless areas adjacent to wilderness study areas;
3. provide increased protection for nationally significant historic trails;
4. ensure long-term survival of the unique Red Desert elk herd;
5. protect traditional cultural properties revered by Native Americans;
6. give priority to the restoration and protection of air and water quality;
7. restore and protect wildlife habitat damaged by roads and pipelines;
8. establish several "Research Natural Areas"; and
9. expand the boundaries of existing "areas of critical environmental concern" to focus attention on the extraordinary natural wealth and sensitivity of the area.