In a decision that delighted conservation groups and thousands of Wyoming citizens, the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) has banned oil and gas drilling on nearly 370,000 pristine acres in four of its management areas.
On February 7, BTNF Forest Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton informed the Bureau of Land Management that it could not authorize mineral leases within the Union Pass, Moccasin Basin, Upper Green River and Hoback Basin management areas.
"I have determined that leasing these areas of the forest for oil and gas development could compromise their nationally significant character and highly valued recreation opportunities," Hamilton said.
The BTNF's decision is backed by overwhelming public support. Fully 98% of citizens' comments on the forest's 2000 draft environmental study opposed leasing in the four management areas.
"Kudos to the forest for making the right decision," said Meredith Taylor, field office director for WOC's Greater Yellowstone Program. "Ms. Hamilton should be commended for protecting these spectacular wildlands, important wildlife migration corridors and back-country recreation areas, which are treasured by local citizens and visitors alike."
A week before the forest's decision, Governor Dave Freudenthal wrote to Hamilton, supporting the drilling ban. While acknowledging that energy development is important to Wyoming's economy, Freudenthal wrote: "In this case, the potential benefit of drilling in these areas is outweighed by the potential costs to wildlife protection, scenic values, recreational uses, and the tourism industry that relies on these pristine areas." |
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