Friday, April 15, 2011

Thinking about drilling in the Hoback drainage

It shouldn't always boil down to the buck

Despite the industrialization of the Atlantic Rim, the Green River basin, and the Powder River Basin, I still find it hard to believe that this society will allow any company to go into a place like the Noble Basin and tear it up to produce natural gas.

But it does and we have to fight back. Think of Jim Bridger, Osborne Russell, the Muries, Tom Stroock and other lovers of wild lands spinning in their graves.

Citizens for the Wyoming Range continue to fight to protect this great part of Wyoming. Here's a note they're pushing. I hope others will join them.

Dan Smitherman of Citizens said this in a recent email:

Dear Citizens for the Wyoming Range Supporter,

As part of our campaign in the Upper Hoback, we have consistently highlighted the extraordinary wildlife values in this area and the recreational opportunities that exist for the public. Recently, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership announced a values mapping proposal that is intended to take input from hunters and create a GIS based database that agencies can use in wildlife management decisions.

Representatives from TRCP will be travelling throughout Wyoming during the summer months speaking to hunters and anglers, sporting groups, rod and gun clubs and conservation associations and asking for their input to help identify important hunting and fishing areas statewide. This is an opportunity for you to speak up for the wildlife values in the Upper Hoback.

Even if you do not hunt or fish in the Hoback, please attend one of the TRCP events and provide your input about conserving Wyoming’s important wildlife habitat.

The schedule for the first series of meetings is listed below. Additionally, TRCP contact information and more specifics are posted on the wyomingrange.org website. Here is the direct link:

http://www.wyomingrange.org/assets/files/TRCP%20hunting%20values%20project%201.pdf

TRCP is a wildlife focused conservation group that has supported our efforts to highlight the wildlife issues not adequately addressed by the current DEIS. I feel this is a worthwhile project by itself and will help further our campaign to protect the Upper Hoback.

Hunting values mapping project schedule

Rock Springs – Monday, April 18th at the Holiday Inn (1675 Sunset Drive), 7 pm – 9 pm.

Rawlins – Tuesday, April 19th at the Best Western Cottontree Inn (2221 West Spruce), 7 pm – 9 pm.

Laramie – Wednesday, April 20th at the Hilton Garden Inn (2229 Grand Avenue), 7 pm – 9 pm.

Cheyenne – Thursday, April 21st at the Holiday Inn (204 West Foxfarm Road), 7 pm – 9 pm.