Laramie—Biodiversity Conservation Alliance released a report card today rating the Forest Service’s proposed forest plan for the Medicine Bow National Forest, which is named alternative D. In the assessment, the Laramie-based conservation group gave the plan a score of a “D”.

Biodiversity Conservation Alliance has carefully read through the 700 plus page proposed plan before giving the Forest Service its grade. “After pouring through this huge document, we’ve come to the conclusion that the Forest Service is taking a few baby steps in the right direction. But it takes more than baby steps to score a passing grade.”

The Forest Service scored so poorly because its proposed forest plan fails to fully protect the forest’s wildlands, does not give imperiled wildlife the special protections they need, fails to take any steps to restore lost animals to the Medicine Bow, and continues to allow off-road snowmobile travel throughout the vast majority of the forest.

Biodiversity Conservation Alliance would like to remind the public that this proposed forest plan is in no way set in stone. “The citizens of Wyoming have a real opportunity to influence the Forest Service and push the agency to create a forest plan for the Medicine Bow that is better for its wildlife and better for the region’s people.” said BCA member Eric Bonds.

One opportunity to influence the plan is at the upcoming Forest Service sponsored public meetings, which will be held throughout southeastern Wyoming.

View the Report Card

Schedule of Upcming Forest Service Public Meetings:

Feb. 6 Laramie 4:00-8 Foster’s Motel
Feb. 10 Cheyenne 4:00-8 LCCC Center for Conferences
Feb. 12 Douglas 3:30-7:30 Courthouse Community Room
Feb. 20 Encampment 3:30-7:30 Town Hall
Feb. 25 Baggs 4:00-7 Senior Center
Feb. 27 Walden 4:00-7 Forest Service Office
March 4 Casper 4:00-8 Holliday Inn Spruce Room
March 5 Wheatland 4:00-7 Public Library