Oil and gas leasing on federal tract in Wyoming stirs opposition from conservationists

The 620,000-acre Jack Morrow Hills region in southwest Wyoming is again at the center of the state's debate over oil and natural gas leasing. On Dec. 2 the Bureau of Land Management is planning a competitive lease sale for that area. The sale is meeting strong opposition from environmental groups as well as hunting and fishing advocates. Public lands around the Little Mountain area are also being included in the sale.

Jeff Gearino of the Casper Star-Tribune writes, "Conservationists said the auction of oil and gas leases will threaten the two areas, which are rich in wildlife, including prime sage grouse habitat, cultural and recreational resources." Conservationists are frustrated because they feel that there is considerable public land available for energy exploration that is not as environmentally important as these two areas. Bruce Pendery, public lands director for the Wyoming Outdoor Council, told Gerino, "The Jack Morrow Hills and Little Mountain are too valuable for their wildlife, historical and recreation resources to be opened to development now, when the evidence shows we can have oil and gas without sacrificing areas like these." (Read more)