Red Desert's Future Hangs in the Balance

by Mac Blewer

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to release a supplemental draft environmental impact statement for the Jack Morrow Hills Study Area of the Red Desert in May.

It will be essential for conservationists to deluge the BLM with comments supporting a plan that, in the words of former Interior Secretary Babbitt, "matches the scope and beauty of this landscape."

It is unclear what the plan will offer, although a conservation alternative and a preservation alternative will be among the range of options. And there is some reason for hope. Decisionmakers are well aware of the tremendous public support from citizens in Wyoming and across the nation for Red Desert protection.

However, with pressure from the Bush Administration to accelerate oil and gas drilling throughout the West, and with more seismic exploration proposals slated for the desert this summer, the BLM may well choose a development alternative as its preferred option.

Watch for a WOC action alert on this important issue, and please respond. This may be our best chance to protect the Red Desert's wildlife, wild places and historic treasures!

For more information about the Red Desert planning process, check out the BLM's website: www.jackmorrowhills.org