Last Friday was the last day to comment on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to protect the greater sage grouse as Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species Act. BCA took the lead role in submitting comments on the impacts of oil and gas development on sage grouse across their range, and particularly in Wyoming. We analyzed over six feet of government documents and scientific studies (stacked from the floor) to make sure that the Fish and Wildlife Service has the best available science to consider as they make an extremely important decision for the conservation of a species that has declined by over 90% over the past half-century. Clearly, the sage grouse needs the protection of the Endangered Species listing, and its protection has the potential to rein in out-of-control oil and gas development throughout the sagebrush ecosystems of the West, benefiting other rare species like the pygmy rabbit, ferruginous hawk, and burrowing owl as well.

 

The Western Governors' Association, including Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, recently adopted a comprehensive plan to conserve important migration corridors, crucial habitats, and dispersal connections important to native wildlife. This decision could set the stage habitat conservation at a regional scale that crosses political boundaries. A bold step, the corridor plan recognizes the need to consider the best available science, including core area and corridor conservation plans like the “Spine of the Continent Wildland Network” (The Heart of the West plan, developed by Wild Utah Project, BCA, Center for Native Ecosystems, and other groups is the part of this larger design that reaches across Wyoming). At this point, most of the provisions of the plan are non-binding recommendations, but the Western Governors' Association did elevate the issue of wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity to a new level of importance. They also provided a framework for future projects and land planning efforts that highly prioritizes maintaining wildlife's freedom to roam. Moving forward, the challenge will be to see how many of the lofty and beneficial goals outlined in the report will be tackled.

 

Speak out by August 4, 2008 to protect the Bridger-Teton National Forest from noise, landscape destruction, and wildlife disturbance  

The Bridger-Teton National Forest recently released the draft of the Environmental Impact Statement for their plans to manage summer motorized travel across the North District. At stake are rivers that are candidates for protective “Wild and Scenic” designation, the continued protection and restoration of Roadless Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, and crucial wildlife habitat. Of the plan’s proposed alternatives, Alternative B proposes the greatest protection for these rivers and special areas. Alternative B is the least detrimental to wildlife and creates the most opportunity for quiet, non-motorized recreation. Please tell the Forest Service you oppose any motorized routes within the following areas until they are surveyed for their wilderness potential: 

- Shoal Creek and Palisades Wilderness Study Areas (includes Porcupine Creek and North Fork of Fisherman Creek).

- Close the Taylor Mountain road to improve the character of the Palisades Wilderness Study Area.

- Munger Mountain, Raspberry Ridge, and Leidy Highlands Roadless Areas.

- Support Alternative B

See the Draft Environmental Impact Statement at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/btnf/projects/travelrevision/index.shtml

Please send comments by August 4, 2008 to:

David Wilkinson, Public Outreach BTNF
Jackson Ranger District
PO Box 1689
Jackson, WY, 83001. 

Or email comments to:   Bridger_Teton_Travel_OHV_Comments@fs.fed.us.

 

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