[cdt-l] Bridger-Teton NF Oil and Gas Leasing DEIS

[cdt-l@mailman.backcountry.net (Mark Dixon)]

The Bridger-Teton National Forest is in the process of making a decision on
opening certain lands to oil and gas leasing. This decision directly affects
the CDT corridor and the surrounding forest lands north of the Wind Rivers
and south of Twogotee Pass. Send your comments in support of the
Bridger-Teton National Forest to keep the area off limits to oil and gas
leasing and their associated roads and traffic.

Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton
Bridger-Teton National Forest 
Attn: Oil & Gas DEIS
P.O. Box 1888
Jackson, WY 83001


Here's some background:

For the past three years, the oil and gas industry has been fighting to 
open up nearly 370,000 acres of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, in the 
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, to oil and gas development.  But the Forest 
Service has proposed setting aside that land because of its outstanding 
wildlife and recreation values.  Now the Forest Service needs to hear from 
you.  Take action today at 
http://www.wilderness.org/ccc/northrockies/bt.htm . 
 
WORLD FAMOUS HABITAT AT RISK 
The Bridger-Teton National Forest, bordering Yellowstone National Park in 
northwest Wyoming, is world famous for its blue ribbon trout streams 
winding through lush valleys, complete with vast herds of elk.  These 
lands are home to some of the rarest and most vulnerable animals in the 
lower 48 states, including grizzly bear, gray wolf, and Canada lynx. 
 
In a recent far-sighted move, the U.S. Forest Service has proposed putting 
one of the last unprotected wild places on the Bridger-Teton, covering 
370,000 acres, off limits to oil and gas industrialization. The public 
overwhelmingly supports this proposal, known as the "No Lease" alternative 
in the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Oil and Gas 
Development. In fact, 98% of the more than 2,500 comments received during 
the "scoping" phase of this process supported the "No Lease" alternative. 
 
BIG OIL MOVES IN 
For the last three years, the oil and gas industry has been fighting hard 
to open up those lands, larger than neighboring Grand Teton National Park, 
to oil and gas development. Drill rigs, accompanied by a maze of roads and 
power lines, already have fractured many of the last best places in the 
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 
 
Now, emboldened by allies in the new Bush administration, Big Oil is 
working harder than ever to reverse this proposal.  The oil and gas 
industry is putting immense pressure on Senator Craig Thomas (R-WY) to 
actively oppose the proposal, a role he has chosen not to take in the 
past. 
 
WHAT'S AT STAKE? 
The wildlands that industry wants to industrialize include Moccasin Basin, 
just 35 miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which contains key grizzly bear 
habitat and crucial big game winter range. Also included are the Hoback 
Basin, south of Jackson Hole, and the Union Pass and Upper Green River 
areas, adjacent to both the Gros Ventre and Bridger Wilderness areas. This 
territory includes several blue ribbon trout streams and four rivers 
eligible for National Wild and Scenic River designation. 
 
PROPOSAL DESERVES SUPPORT 
At the end of the last year, the Forest Service released the DEIS, listing 
several "alternatives," or management possibilities.  A comment period 
runs through February 28th. 
 
This decision -- which you can help shape -- will set a precedent for the 
future management of our national forests: Will our public lands be 
managed mainly for industrial-scale resource extraction and production? Or 
are some places simply more important for wildlife, clean water and 
recreation? 
 
The Forest Service is trying to protect this last slice of wild country in 
the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.  It needs and deserves your support. 
 
TAKE ACTION 
Only through an emphatic show of support from citizens nationwide for the 
Forest Service proposal will the "No Lease" proposal hold.  Send your 
comments *by February 28* from 
http://www.wilderness.org/ccc/northrockies/bt.htm , or send them directly: 
 
- Tell the Forest Service you support the "No Lease" Alternative #4 in the 
draft EIS for Oil & Gas Development on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. 
 
- These wildlands are far too valuable as rich wildlife habitat, healthy 
fisheries, and recreation lands.  They deserve to be protected for our 
children. 
 
Send your comments to: 
Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton, Bridger-Teton National Forest 
Attn: Oil & Gas DEIS, P.O. Box 1888, Jackson, WY 83001 
EMAIL: mailroom_r4_bridger_teton@fs.fed.us 
FAX: (307) 739-5010 
 
Also send a copy of your comments to Wyoming Senator Craig Thomas, who 
needs to hear that the American people want this spectacular place 
protected: 
Senator Craig Thomas 
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510 
EMAIL: craig@thomas.senate.gov 
FAX: (202) 224-1724 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION 
Bridger-Teton National Forest web site: 
http://www.fs.fed.us/btnf/oilandgas/oil&gas.htm 
 
SAMPLE LETTERS 
Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton, Bridger-Teton National Forest 
Attn: Oil & Gas DEIS, P.O. Box 1888, Jackson, WY 83001 
 
Dear Supervisor Hamilton: 
I support the B-T's proposed "No Lease" alternative #4 in the draft EIS 
for Oil and Gas Development.  These wildlands are far too valuable as rich 
wildlife habitat, healthy fisheries and recreation lands. Please continue 
your strong efforts to safeguard these lands for our children by issuing a 
"No Lease" final decision. 
 
Thank you for your work. 
 
***************** 
Honorable Craig Thomas 
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510 
 
Dear Senator Thomas: 
I support the Bridger-Teton National Forest's proposed "No Lease" 
alternative #4 in the draft EIS for Oil and Gas Development. These 
wildlands are far too valuable as rich wildlife habitat, healthy fisheries 
and recreation lands. I urge you to support the B-T in its efforts to 
safeguard this land for future generations. 
 
Sincerely, 






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