Record number of arrests in Yellowstone NP in 2006

Record number for arrests in Yellowstone. Jackson Hole News and Guide.

Conservationists issue Western energy agenda

Conservationists issue Western energy agenda. By Judith Kohler. Associated Press writer.

We know the agenda for the West from the Republicans — fossil fuel development forever, but the Western governors, especially the Democrats have had a lot to say lately about a new kind of energy development, and it could be pretty unfriendly to the land and landscape to the West too unless adjustments are made.

It is time conservationists spoke out beyond simply opposing various projects.

Related. Gov Fruedenthal calls for tighter wildlife protection. By Whitey Royster. Casper Star-Tribune environmental reporter.

As gas development in the Green River Basin of  Wyoming has expanded beyond all projects, even Governor Freudenthal is seeking some restraint and modifications

Forest Guardians issue: Wildlands for Wildlife, not Cows

I thought folks would be interested in this because of the focus on the Southwest. I know a lot of people are celbrating the recent victory keeping oil and gas out of the famed Valles Caldera in northern New Mexico, but what they don’t know it that the public is excluded and this exclusionary semi-public land is supported by taxpayers who see little benefit from it.

Frontline Newsletter Vol. 171 March 7, 2007 Wildlands for Wildlife, Not Cows No Mas Lobos Muertos Read.. “V” is for Victory Read.. Down in the Valle Read.. Saving Spotted Owls Read.. No Mas Lobos Muertos The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—the agency charged with protecting endangered species—has increasingly turned from recovering Mexican gray wolves to systematically exterminating them from their only remaining population. The agency, which has been able to locate just 49 wolves on the ground, has killed six individuals since the beginning of last year. As this death toll continues to mount, the Mexican wolf recovery program has become a recipe for extinction. Because wolves are often removed due to conflicts with cattle, protecting the wolf is a priority for Forest Guardians’ Grazing Reform Program. Read on to find out how we are taking important steps to ensure this species’ success. Learn more about the ecological impacts of grazing.. “V” is for Victory In the struggle for Mexican wolf survival, every victory counts. In response to a recent appeal by Forest Guardians and others, the Hermosa Allotment will remain a wolf-friendly spot on the Gila National Forest. The Hermosa has been cow-free for over 13 years, making it prime wolf habitat and even a wolf release site. The Forest Service’s proposal to reintroduce cattle to the allotment would have drastically reduced the meaningful space available to wolves in their own recovery zone. Our appeal sent the Forest Service back to the drawing board by forcing them to examine the impacts from livestock grazing to all sensitive species on the Hermosa, including the Mexican wolf. Learn more about our use of litigation to rein in destructive grazing practices.. Down in the Valle The Valles Caldera Trust turned down Forest Guardians’ $25,000 offer to open the Preserve to people and wildlife instead of cows in 2007. By choosing low income grazing over high yield ecotourism, the Trust seems bent on losing money ’til the cows come home. Though the Preserve is supposed to be managed for aesthetics, wildlife, and recreation, the Trust won’t prioritize these values over grazing- even to turn a profit. Undeterred by the Trust’s rejection, Forest Guardians is dedicated to protecting the Valles Caldera. We will continue to put our money where our mouth is, and look forward to the day when people take precedence over cattle on the Preserve. Learn more about our efforts to protect the Valles Caldera.. Saving Spotted Owls After doing battle with the Forest Service over Mexican spotted owls for almost a decade, Forest Guardians is back in court with the feds to protect this species on the brink. The agency is mismanaging livestock grazing on the Sacramento Allotment in southern New Mexico, and harming owls in the process. The allotment encompasses more than 110,000 acres, and provides vital, protected habitat for the owls. Forest Guardians seeks to force the agency to re-consult with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on how grazing is impacting both the owls and their critical habitat, and we’ve asked the federal district court to remove all livestock from the allotment until that consultation has been completed. Learn more about our protection of Mexican Spotted Owls.. For more information, email Melissa Hailey Forest Guardians www.fguardians.org 505-988-9126 312 Montezuma Avenue, Suite A, Santa Fe, NM 87501 Forest Guardians preserves and restores native wildlands and wildlife in the American Southwest.   For more info email Melissa Hailey Forest Guardians

Hibernation is ending for Yellowstone area bears

There have been several very warm days, and the snow is melting fast. The first grizzly tracks were spotted on February 28.

Story in the Jackson Hole News and Guide. By Cory Hatch.

Update: I have been told by a local observer that the bears are out in the Madison Valley (near West Yellowstone) and in the nearby Henry’s Lake Mountains.

Winter’s bad air still choking Utah: Logan, Salt Lake City pollution levels among highest nationwide

Because I mostly grew up in Logan, Utah, the fact that often has the dirtiest air in America (in the winter) is most discouraging.

The immediate problem is a strong inversion layer. The nearby valleys are snow-free and warm and Cache Valley (Logan) remains with snow and still air that allows the auto exhaust to build up. The longer term problem is too many automobiles, sprawl and lack of public transit. This is in a cultural area where they used to pride themselves on how well the towns and cities were planned.

It seems that only old-timers remember when planning was preached from the pulpit.

Story. Winter’s bad air still choking [Northern] Utah: Logan, Salt Lake City pollution levels among highest nationwide. By Judy Fahys The Salt Lake Tribune

Related story: “As you breathe the muck we Utahns ruefully call air, you might be wondering what your Legislature did to help clean it up. We are happy to report some good news on that front and give Utah’s lawmakers their due for passing three good bills.” Clearing the air: Legislature passed three good bills, dropped a fourth. Editorial in the Salt Lake Tribune.

The Idaho hearing on wolf delisting plan draws wolf friends, foes

Here is the story on the Boise hearing from the Idaho Statesman. Hearing on delisting plan draws wolf friends, foes: Activists fear money, will to protect predators are lacking, but state vows to manage responsibly. By Rocky Barker – Idaho Statesman. There are other versions of the story appearing on-line.

Tonight will be the Oregon hearing (in Pendleton). The delisting plan being proposed cuts out the likely wolf dispersion zone in Oregon. It’s almost like the USFWS was making a moat of non-protection around Idaho and Wyoming. However, the states does have its “Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan,”