LARAMIE – Conservation groups recently proposed a new wilderness in the canyons of Wild Cow Creek and Deep Gulch, encompassing 33,435 acres of wild country along the Atlantic Rim. The area contains crucial winter range for elk and mule deer, as well as permanently flowing streams that harbor rare native fishes.

“Wild Cow Creek is a fine example of wilderness along the eastern edge of the Red Desert,” said Kenny Becker, a former ranch manager and Pinedale resident. “This is an area rich in wildlife that also offers outstanding backpacking opportunities.”

Biodiversity Conservation Alliance submitted a comprehensive wilderness inventory of Wild Cow Creek to the Bureau of Land Management in July of 2002. The agency responded by agreeing that the area is roadless, but disagreed that it possesses wilderness characteristics. The area is proposed for protection from future oil, gas and coalbed methane leasing under the Western Heritage Alternative, a citizens’ alternative supported by conservation groups that balances mineral development and conservation.

“This is the last major tract of wild country along the Atlantic Rim that still remains in public hands,” said Erik Molvar of Biodiversity Conservation Alliance. “Because wild places are becoming increasingly rare in the Red Desert, their value for wildlife and public recreation is becoming increasingly important.”

There are a number of jeep trails, stock ponds, and fences scattered throughout the proposed wilderness, but according to BCA’s inventories, these features do not detract from the primeval character of the area. Permanent springs and streams in Deep Gulch and Wild Cow Creek provide backcountry water sources that allow extended backpacking and horse trips. As a result, Wild Cow Creek is one of the few areas in the Red Desert that is well-suited to multi-day backcountry excursions. Wild Cow Creek is also known as a world-class mule deer hunting area.

Overall, the BLM’s Preferred Alternative for the Great Divide Plan would grant protection to only 5,200 of the 292,323 unprotected acres in the planning area that qualify for wilderness designation. In addition to Wild Cow Creek, the BLM’s preferred plan would allow full-scale development in more than half of Adobe Town as well as the Pedro Mountains, the Kinney Rim, and proposed additions to the Red Lake Dunes, Prospect Mountain, Bennett Mountain, and Encampment River Wilderness Study Areas.

“The BLM is ignoring wilderness in areas with high recreational values,” said Liz Howell of the Wyoming Wilderness Association. “Imagine the tourism benefits of protected wilderness areas in the Pedro and Bennett Mountains and Wild Cow Creek coupled with the popularity of the North Platte and Medicine Bow Rivers as well as the Seminoe and Pathfinder Reservoirs. The Great Divide Plan neglects this huge contributor to Wyoming’s economy.”

If the Western Heritage Alternative were adopted by the BLM, a total of 7 percent of the minerals would be placed off-limits to future oil and gas leasing. Currently existing leases would be honored. While the Western Heritage Alternative does not prescribe changes in vehicle management in the area, Wild Cow Creek would be protected from future mineral leasing.

Photos of the Wild Cow Creek proposed wilderness are available at
www.voiceforthewild.org/general/photoalbum/atlanticrim/ar_photo1.html
and
www.voiceforthewild.org/general/photoalbum/atlanticrim/wcc_photo2.html
Photo credits should read “photo courtesy of Biodiversity Conservation Alliance.”