GYC Honors WOC

by Nancy Debevoise

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) has honored WOC as its Conservation Organization of the Year. In a letter to executive director Dan Heilig announcing the award, GYC executive director Mike Clark noted, "Each year the GYC board and staff select a member organization which exemplifies our efforts to preserve and protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). This year, the Wyoming Outdoor Council has been chosen to receive this award because of leadership in public lands issues, especially oil and gas development."

At GYC’s annual awards banquet on June 4 in West Yellowstone, MT, Heilig, program directors Caroline Byrd and Steff Kessler, development director Lisa Lenard and program associate Mac Blewer crowded onto the podium to accept the award.

"Mammoth Hot Strings," a singing group from Helena, serenaded the group with a tribute ditty, "WOC on the Wild Side," (with apologies to Lou Reed):

"Dan and Caroline make a dynamic team,
Doin’ WOC’s work like no one we’ve ever seen.
A hustle here and good word there,
Stop the roads goin’ everywhere.
Company wants to drill for oil and gas,
Way up high on Togwotee Pass,
But WOC says, "No, hey, not so fast!
This is wilderness, let’s make it last!"

The chorus translates poorly (you had to be there!), but starts with, "Sayin’ hey babe, there’s a WOC on the wild side" and includes the fetching phrase, "And the critters say, doo-dee-doo-dee-doo, love whatcha do, dee-doo-dee-doo, love whatcha do..."

The award certificate recognizes WOC’s "outstanding work and accomplishments in preserving and protecting the GYE and the unique quality of life it sustains."