The Forty Rod Flats area near Daniel, Wyoming. Hall Sawyer,
an ungulate biologist with the University of Wyoming's Cooperative Fish
and Wildlife Research Unit, completed this map as part of a larger study
documenting key migration corridors for mule deer and pronghorn. The map
depicts animal movement (represented by dots) during winter months in recent
years. In June, the BLM leased thousands of acres for oil and gas
development in the middle of this corridor.
In May, joined by Earthjustice, WOC appealed these leases to the Department of Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA), a case very similar to that in which we challenged lease sales in the same area in August 2001. In both cases, we have asked IBLA to halt development of these leases pending the outcome of our appeals. A decision on the August 2001 leases is expected any day.
Preserving BLM's "No Lease" Option
Both appeals have broad implications. In contrast to other IBLA appeals concerning the narrower issue of coalbed methane (CBM) development, in this appeal, we are challenging leases for all oil and gas development in the Pinedale Resource Area, given that the BLM is in the process of amending the area's resource management plan (RMP), and existing levels of development already far exceed that predicted in the current plan. That plan also fails to anticipate or analyze the environmental impacts of burgeoning CBM development in the area.
In its appeals, WOC is trying to preserve the BLM's option of saying "no" to leasing in certain areas while the agency amends its RMP to account for CBM and higher levels of oil and gas development. Otherwise, given current development rates, the entire 1.2 million-acre resource area will be leased for oil and gas. These leases last 10 years (or decades if held in production), and will likely generate roads, pipelines, power lines and compressor stations - sacrificing other important resources in favor of one dominant, and environmentally destructive, use of our public lands. |
Privacy Policy