BCA WINS SAGE GROUSE PROTECTIONS IN BIGHORN BASIN

Sage grouse were the real winners in a recent settlement agreement BCA secured with Bill Barrett Corporation, an oil and gas company. The agreement was reached after BCA challenged a decision made by the Bureau of Land Management's Worland Field Office, which would have allowed "thumper truck" seismic exploration in an area containing sensitive sage grouse breeding and nesting habitat. Under the terms of the agreement Bill Barrett will provide greater protections for sage grouse and sage grouse habitat by avoiding the nesting and breeding site itself, by obscuring the tracks so that they do not become roads for all terrain vehicles or predators of the grouse, and by designing the route to avoid crushing sagebrush. Additionally, Bill Barrett will fund $25,000 worth of sage grouse conservation projects selected by BCA.

EMAIL THE FOREST SERVICE TO PREVENT P-DOG SHOOTING

The Forest Service has released a draft plan that could open the door to poisoning and shooting of prairie dogs once again on the Pawnee National Grassland south of Cheyenne. The plan at best commits to maintaining only 1,000 acres of prairie dog colonies – a mere 0.5% of the 193,000-acre Pawnee. All options commit to a minimum of only 200 acres of prairie dog colonies, only 0.2% of the Pawnee. Prairie dogs could be allowed to occupy more than these minimums, but no actions will be taken to protect them in these areas. A recent study found that between 30,500 and 58,300 acres of the Pawnee is suitable habitat for black-tailed prairie dogs. You can voice your support for prairie dogs on the Pawnee National Grassland by e-mailing a quick letter to comments-rocky-mountain-arapaho-roosevelt@fs.fed.us. Tell the Forest Service to protect prairie dogs across the Pawnee National Grassland and to promote their expansion in all suitable habitats.

NON-NATIVE GROUSE TO BE PLANTED IN SIERRA MADRES?

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is moving forward with a short-sighted plan to transplant non-native ruffed grouse into the western Sierra Madre Range this autumn. The move threatens Wyoming's only Columbian sharp-tailed grouse population, which inhabits the same area. According to Dr. Clait Braun, former head of the Colorado Division of Wildife's avian research department, "Ruffed Grouse transplanted in Wyoming, if the transplant was successful, could move into some of the best Blue Grouse and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse habitat in Colorado." Columbian sharp-tails have been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE BADGER BALL, SEPT. 23

Come enjoy dinner by Sweet Melissa's and Wild Oats, music by Kyle Chitty, lively discussions of the latest conservation issues, and a live auction to support BCA’s conservation efforts at our Third Annual Member Meeting and Celebration, the Badger Ball.

Who is invited: members and their families. Memberships ($35, $20 low-income) are available at the door.

Cost: $10 per plate, $5 low-income, kids eat free. 

Time: 5pm

Location: Snowy Range Lodge, 76 Barber Lake Road, Centennial, WY

Dress: Casual.

RSVP Requested by: September 20. Please advise us as to special needs or diets. Call 307-742-7978.

Bring your cash or checkbook for an amazing auction with such items as: one-day llama pack trip and gourmet lunch by J&J Llamas, 2-person backpacking tent by Mountain Hardwear, one pasta-maker and semolina flour from Whole Earth Grainery.

Driving Directions from 3rd and Grand in Laramie:

Please carpool, as parking is limited. Head North on 3rd St. Turn left on Clark (also Snowy Range Road) and head directly over the bridge. Follow this road as it winds past the Territorial Prison and most of West Laramie. When you see the Forest Service office on your left, make a right turn onto Highway 130, heading toward the Laramie Regional Airport. This is highway 130 or Snowy Range Road, heading west toward Centennial. If you are on highway 230 or see the Laramie Country Club on your right, you have missed the turn. Follow 130 through Centennial. About 2 miles past Centennial and inside the Medicine Bow National Forest, turn left on Barber Lake Road. Follow this for 7/8 of a mile to the Snowy Range Lodge and park on the same side of the road as everyone else (for safety).

Last year's Badger Ball was a great success and we can't wait to see you this time!

PLEASE BEAR WITH OUR EMAIL LISTSERV CHANGEOVER

BCA is switching from one email listserv system to another, and you may have experienced some glitches already. We apologize for late or unusual emails during this transition period. The switch will reduce errors, provide more privacy and security for BCA supporters, allow for users to add or delete their names from our list, and save time. We hope you like our new system!