BIODIVERSITY BROADCAST - Email Newsletter for July 2010

THANKS TO YOU: 10-ACRE PARKING LOT DROPPED FROM PLAN FOR SNOWY RANGE SCENIC BYWAY

Thank you for opposing the proposed Green Rock Picnic Area Snowmobile parking lot in the Medicine Bow National Forest - the Forest Service has canned its proposal! The hundreds of signatures, letters, and comments at meetings told the Service that the Snowy Range Scenic Byway should not include a parking lot bigger than that at Super Wal-Mart, right at the head of the only system of non-motorized trails in the forest.Your voice helped protect winter's natural wonders in southeastern Wyoming's Snowy Range Mountains.

Thanks also for calling and writing the Forest Service to thank them for dropping the parking lot from the Scenic Byway Corridor Plan - keep it coming to counter the angry calls and letters from snowmobilers that are sure to be coming in.

Melissa M. Martin, Environmental Coordinator, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, 2468 Jackson Street, Laramie, WY 82070, (307) 745-2371, mmmartin@fs.fed.us

U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE PROPOSE "THREATENED" STATUS FOR MOUNTAIN PLOVER

In 1982 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) determined the mountain plover was in need of Endangered Species Act protection. However, on September 9, 2003, the USFWS withdrew protections for the bird, even as it went extinct in the state of Utah. BCA and WildEarth Guardians challenged the withdrawal citing illegal political interference as the reason behind the change in protection status.

A flurry of Department of Interior investigations eventually proved political interference resulted in weakened and denied protections for imperiled plants and animals including the plover. You may remember the infamous G.W. Bush appointee, Julie MacDonald, who, according to the Office of the Inspector General's report to Congress, "heavily edited, commented on, and reshaped scientific reports submitted by the field" in order to interfere in Endangered Species Act decisions including that of the mountain plover. The Deputy Inspector also stated that MacDonald's "conduct demoralized and frustrated subordinate managers [and] intimidated field personnel." Even worse, the investigation revealed she had also been disclosing classified information to "her friends and colleagues--to lawyers and lobbyists who had interests in variance with the Department, and to an individual with whom MacDonald had become acquainted through Internet role-playing games."

Luckily for the plover, citizens, scientists, and conservationists all over the country were paying attention. In a settlement with WildEarth Guardians and Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, the USFWS agreed to review their withdrawal of mountain plover protection in light of potential political interference and newly-acquired mountain plover studies.

In addition, the Service agreed to finalize its decision to offer or deny the plover Endangered Species Act protection by May 1, 2011.

Known threats to the mountain plover include urban sprawl and heavy oil and gas development causing loss of habitat. Most mountain plovers breed in prairie dog range, particularly around black-tailed prairie dog colonies. Over 96% of historical black-tailed prairie dog habitat has been lost due to human interference.

Mountain plovers in flight. (Photo by Martin Reid.)

BCA VOLUNTEERS HELP THUNDER BASIN PRAIRIE DOG RELOCATION THIS WEEK

Beginning this Wednesday, July 7, 2010, and lasting throughout the summer, more than two dozen BCA volunteers will work with Defenders of Wildlife, Prairie Dog Coalition, and World Wildlife Fund to help the Forest Service relocate prairie dogs rather than poisoning them. The relocation will help build the population of

Reintroduced black-footed ferret scans its new home.

prairie dogs to support upcoming black-footed ferret reintroductions in northeastern Wyoming's Thunder Basin National Grassland, where they once thrived. If you would like to be a part of this historic effort, please call (307) 742-7978, or email BCA's Wild Species Program Director, Duane Short. Thank you for helping Wyoming's wonderful wildlife!

LAST MINUTE OPENINGS ON FREE GREEN ROCK & SUGARLOAF OUTINGS

Gorgeous weather is finally here in the mountains of southeastern Wyoming, but some participants have canceled, leaving YOU a spot on either of the hikes listed below. To see more photos of the Green Rock practice hike, click here.

A hiker walks along the Barber Lake Trail in the Snowy Range Mountains.

Green Rock Day Hike July 10

Enjoy a moderately-strenuous day hike from the Medicine Bow's Green Rock trailhead (former target for the controversial proposed snowmobile parking lot) through roadless forests full of wildflowers and medicinal herbs to the waterfall on Libby Creek.

Sugarloaf Day Hike July 17

Take part in a moderately-strenuous day hike into the flower-splashed alpine tundra and scree fields at the base of Medicine Bow Peak. Visit alpine lakes and see the Medicine Bow collared pika and other timberline wildlife.

These outings are offered free of charge, but reservations are required. Participants bring their own vehicles, outdoor gear, food, and water, although carpooling may be arranged. To sign up, contact BCA's Duane Short at (307) 742-7978 or via email.

SIERRA MADRES THREATENED WITH UNNECESSARY LOGGING

Some 9,400 acres of forest habitat was logged off in the "Savery Analysis Area" area in the Sierra Madre Range of the Medicine Bow National Forest between 1955 and the 1990s. The agency now proposes to log 11,709 acres of lodgepole pines in an area of mountain pine beetle outbreak to "restore forest health and productivity, salvage dead and dying trees, reduce hazard fuels, promote forest regeneration, and provide forest products." The Forest Service plans to begin the Savery Analysis logging projects this fall or winter.

Unfortunately, the Forest Service states that it may also allow indiscriminate logging of other tree types as well. This project also includes clearcuts of 40 acres throughout the project area. BCA staff have submitted comments to oppose clearcuts and other parts of the project that do nothing for forest health. While most of the project presents a major threat to healthy forest ecosystems, parts of the project, such as removing dead or dying trees near campgrounds, are worthwhile efforts.

To oppose clearcuts and other unnecessary logging in the Sierra Madres write:

Brian Waugh, Environmental Coordinator
USDA Forest Service
P.O. Box 249
South Highway 130
Saratoga, WY 82331

Contact BCA's Duane Short, (307) 742-7978 for more information.

TYING THE KNOT?

Photo of wedding rings If you would like to commemorate your special day with a charitable contribution, you can find a great free resource at JustGive.org. Here you will find information about charitable wedding favors, how to include charities on your invitations, and you can even create a free charity registry for your guests to use. Just one charitable wedding ceremony can mean a huge difference for wildlife and wild places in Wyoming, both financially, and by spreading the word about BCA's mission. Thank you so much, and congratulations!