Plans Currently Open for Comment 5/1/08 (04/30/2008) Details regarding BLM planning documents open for public comment on 5/1/08   Opportunities for Action on Recreation Issues in Oregon (04/23/2008) Updated listing of planning actions and other recreation-related work ongoing in Oregon.   Methodolgy for Arches Viewshed Map (04/10/2008) The methodology used to create the map of impacts from the proposed West-wide Energy Corridors on the Arches viewshed   Lakeview Stewardship Group Success Story (03/26/2008) The Lakeview Stewardship Group was formed to restore a unit in the Fremont-Winema National Forest. The award-winning collaborative effort that includes conservationists, timber workers, local government officials and other civic leaders has become an inspiration and model in forest conservation by incorporating ecological restoration and community values in land management goals.   Community Environmental Organization Letter on Climate Change Principles (03/25/2008) This letter was issued by community environmental organizations to Representatives regarding principles that should guide climate change legislation.   BLM Plans Open for Comment (03/25/2008) Plans open for comment as of March 25, 2008.   Wildland Fire Success Story: Lick Creek Fire in Payette National Forest, Idaho (01/08/2008) This case study examines the positive impact made on the local ecosystem by a wildfire that the Forest Service allowed to perform its natural role in the landscape. The fire mitigated future fire effects, encouraged collaboration and set a precedent for WFU management in Idaho.   MVUM Baseline System Spreadsheet (12/21/2007) Spreadsheet to be used as a tool to identify what constitutes a forest's official baseline road and trail system.   Travel Management Methodologies (12/21/2007) Sets out the ten steps an agency should complete in order to develop a comprehensive travel plan, from an initial assessment of goals and resources, through developing appropriate management (including route designation) and ongoing monitoring, evaluation and adjustment. Developed by Colorado Mountain Club and TWS.   A Hiker's Perspective: US Forest Service Travel Management Planning (12/20/2007) Presentation developed by American Hiking Society about the impact that the Forest Service's travel management planning process has on hikers.   Colorado Urban Frontcountry Initiative Recreation Strategy (12/20/2007) The Urban Front-country Initiative is an effort to implement the Colorado Recreation Strategy adopted by Colorado Forest Supervisors to help them strike a balance between providing recreation opportunities that are within the agencies capability to sustain resource stewardship. The purpose of the strategy is to better protect and enhance the recreation opportunities for the urban users of the front range forests.   Wildland Fire Success Story: Trapper Ridge Fire in Boise National Forest, Idaho (12/18/2007) This case study examines the positive impact made on the local ecosystem by a wildfire that the Forest Service allowed to perform its natural role in the landscape. The fire encouraged collaboration, provided unique learning opportunities, and reduced fuels cost-effectively.   Wildland Fire Success Story: Mudersbach Fire in Kaibab National Forest, Arizona (12/18/2007) This case study examines the positive impact made on the local ecosystem by a wildfire that the Forest Service allowed to perform its natural role in the landscape. The fire helped to restore a fire-adapted ecosystem, improved biodiversity, maintain Northern goshawk habitat, and mitigated future fire effects.   Bureau of Land Mangement Plans Open for Comment 12/18/07 (12/18/2007) A summary of the BLM plans currently open for comment.   Wildland Fire Success Story: Broder/Beck Fire in Sierra National Forest, California (12/18/2007) This case study examines the positive impact made on the local ecosystem by a wildfire that the Forest Service allowed to perform its natural role in the landscape. The fire restored ecosystem functions and reduced hazardous fuels at a low cost.   Wildland Fire Success Story: Greasewood Fire near Meeker, Colorado (12/03/2007) This case study examines the positive impact made on the local ecosystem by a wildfire that the BLM allowed to perform its natural role in the landscape. The fire restored native grasses, expanded sagebrush habitat, improved forage, reduced erosion, and mitigated future fires.   Opportunities for Action: Utah (11/26/2007) Current opportunities to comment and engage in recreation and travel mangement planning in Utah.   Opportunities for Action: New Mexico (11/26/2007) A listing of current recreation and travel management projects in New Mexico.   Opportunities for Action: Montana (11/26/2007) Current opportunities to act and comment on recreation and travel management projects in Montana.   Opportunities for Action: Idaho (11/26/2007) Current opportunities for action and comment on recreation and travel management policies in Idaho.   Opportunities for Action: Colorado (11/26/2007) Current opportunities to act on recreation and travel management policy decisions in Colorado.   Opportunities for Action: Arizona (11/26/2007) Current listing of transportation and recreation management opportunities in Arizona.   USFS management of off-road driving exceptions in the travel management rule: Motorized dispersed camping and big-game retrieval (11/19/2007) Memo outlining how various USFS regions are managing for the dispersed camping and big game retrieval cross-country driving exceptions. The memo highlights important language from various regional guidance documents so you will have a better understanding of how these exceptions are being managed across the west.   Letter from Senator Wyden to Mt. Hood NF re Travel Analysis (11/06/2007) Letter from Senator Wyden to Mt. Hood NF supervisor voicing concern over the forest’s refusal to adequately consider deteriorating timber roads in the travel planning process.   Bureau of Land Management Plans Open for Comment 11/5/07 (11/05/2007) Planning information on the BLM Resource Management Plans currently open for comment.   Letter to USFS Region 2 Regarding the Implementation of the Travel Management Rule (10/18/2007) Letter written by The Wilderness Society and coalition partners submitted to US Forest Service Region 2 providing insight into how the agency should implement the travel management rule, specific issues that the agency must address and information the agency must consider.   National Environmental Groups Issue Principles for Global Warming Legislation (09/14/2007) Letter from national conservation, environmental, and other groups to U.S. House of Representatives regarding global warming legislation.   Southern Rockies Conservation Alliance Dispersed Campaign Policy (08/15/2007) This policy was written by a coalition of CO organizations outlining SRCA’s position regarding off-road driving for dispersed camping and game retrieval.   Slideshow highlighting the impacts caused by cross-country travel by motor vehicle for dispersed camping (06/25/2007) Slideshow developed by the Southern Rockies Conservation Alliance highlighting the impacts that cross-country travel by motorized vehicles for purposes of dispersed camping can have on public lands. Presentation uses images and figures produced by the USFS.   Roan Plateau: A History of Local Support (06/01/2007) Since the BLM Glenwood Springs Field Office began the process of amending its Resource Management Plan (RMP) the public has strongly favored protection for these remarkable public lands. This document chronicles public support for protecting Roan Plateau.   Letters from New Mexico Senators and Representatives to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne (05/31/2007) These letters were sent to Secretary Kempthorne from New Mexico Senators Domenici and Bingaman as well as Representative Udall. The letters request a deferment of drilling in Otero Mesa pending further study of water resources.   Colorado Wilderness Polling Questions (05/30/2007) Questions used in May, 2007, statewide poll of Coloradans about wilderness issues.   Coloradans Express Strong Support for Wilderness Protection (05/30/2007) Summary of May, 2007, statewide poll of Coloradans about wilderness protection.   Roadless Forests Legislation Introduced in House of Representatives - 2007 (05/24/2007) Bill text from 2007 Roadless Forests legislation.   Doing it Right in the Upper Green: A Responsible Energy Development Proposal for the Pinedale BLM (05/17/2007) The BLM is revising the document that guides all uses of federal land in its 1.2 million-acre Pinedale management area, presenting an opportunity to restore a more balanced approach to land-use decisions affecting the Upper Green River valley, a key migration corridor of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This Responsible Energy Development Proposal was created by the Upper Green River Valley Coalition for use by the BLM in its Resource Management Plan (RMP) revision. The Upper Green River Valley Coalition is comprised of organizations and local individuals who seek to protect the wildlife, vistas, air and water quality that make the Upper Green a national treasure. We do not advocate eliminating energy development, but rather promote “doing it right.” Federal land managers should incorporate best management practices that will soften industry’s ecological “footprint,” lessen the potential to displace wildlife and keep drill rigs and infrastructure out of highly sensitive areas.   Roan Plateau - Polling Summary (05/09/2007) Voters in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District strongly support restrictions on oil and gas drilling on the Roan Plateau. Nearly three-quarters support restrictions on additional drilling, and one-quarter want to prohibit additional drilling altogether. Few voters of any political affiliation support additional drilling throughout the plateau.   Carrizo Plain National Monument - Talking Points for Public Meetings (04/19/2007) The Bureau of Land Management is holding public meetings to discuss management of Carrizo Plain National Monument. These "talking points" are useful to refer to when attending these meetings.   Coalition Letter to US Senate Committees on State Fire Assistance Program (03/27/2007) Letter from coalition of forestry, government, and conservation organizations to Chairs and Ranking Members of U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee regarding State Fire Assistance Program (3/27/07).   Coalition Letter to US House Committees on State Fire Assistance Program (03/27/2007) Letter from coalition of forestry, government, and conservation organizations to Chairs and Ranking Members of U.S. House Appropriations Committee and Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee regarding State Fire Assistance Program (3/27/07).   Information Regarding the World Heritage Site Nomination Process From National Geographic Traveler (03/27/2007) National Geographic Traveler published this article about World Heritage Sites and how areas become included in the World Heritage Site Program.   National Park Service Directors' Letter to Sec. Kempthorne about Yellowstone (03/26/2007) Text of a letter sent by seven former directors of the National Park Service to Interior Secretary Kempthorne. The directors write opposing a proposal to return more snowmobile use to Yellowstone National Park.   Carrizo Plain World Heritage Site - Talking Points (03/24/2007) Talking points and background information that discuss why Carrizo Plain merits World Heritage Site status.   Western Energy Agenda 2007 (02/27/2007) Congressional agenda for energy issues in the western United States released by conservationists on February 28, 2007.   Dear Colleague Letter - Oppose Land Sales (02/15/2007) This letter was sent by Representatives Ben Chandler and Ric Keller urging their colleagues in the House to oppose the sale of public lands.   Letter to US Forest Service Region 5 Regarding Off-road Driving Exceptions (02/09/2007) Letter written by The Wilderness Society with signatures from coalition partners submitted to USFS Region 5 regarding how the region should manage for dispersed camping and retrieving big game in the travel planning process.   US Forest Service Region 2 Collaboration Guide (02/05/2007) Document developed by Forest Service Region 2 providing guidance and recommendations to forests in the region about how to communicate and collaborate with the public to have a consistent approach to implementing the travel management rule.   Forest Service FY 2008 Budget Overview (02/05/2007) This is a lovely overview of the US Forest Service's proposed FY 2008 budget - prepared by the Forest Service.   National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2007 - Dear Colleague Letter (01/26/2007) This letter, dated January 26, 2007, was circulated in Congress to encourage House members to support roadless area protection by cosponsoring the National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2007.   Clean Energy Platform - 2007 (01/19/2007) Clean Energy Future a Must to Combat Global Warming and Protect American Security, Families, Health and the Environment   Roadless Area Conservation Policy Chronology (01/03/2007) A chronology of events surrounding the Roadless Area Conservation policy, beginning in 2001.   110th Congress: Agenda of American Values (12/08/2006) Agenda for the 110th Congress released by Rep. Nick J. Rahall, Chairman-elect of the Committee on Natural Resources.   WGA Implementation Plan (12/07/2006) Western Governor's Association updated Implementation Plan for the 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy.   A Collaborative Approach for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment (12/07/2006) On December 7, 2006, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) released an updated Implementation Plan for the 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy. The Comprehensive Strategy is one of the key elements of the National Fire Plan. It emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach to wildland fire management and focuses specifically on restoring fire-adapted ecosystems and promoting community assistance.   US Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region Workforce Plan (10/26/2006) According to the “Workforce Management Plan”, the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southeast Region (Region IV) will eliminate as many as 80 full-time refuge employees over the next three years.   Memo from Chief Bosworth Prohibiting Activities in Inventoried Roadless Areas (09/22/2006) Copy of a memo sent to Regional Foresters and others from Forest Service chief Dale Bosworth regarding Inventoried Roadless Areas.   Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus Members as of September 14, 2006 (09/14/2006) This list includes 100 members of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus from 37 states.   Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Celebration of the 10th Anniversary (09/11/2006) The Presidential designation of Grand Staircase-Escalante as the nation's second largest National Monument on September 18, 1996 not only reserved a spectacular 1.9 million-acre natural treasure for future generations to enjoy, but it also heralded a new era of federal landscape conservation. This document looks at the Monument's first ten years.   US Forest Service Region 6 Guidelines for Implementing the Travel Management Rule (09/06/2006) Implementation guidance document developed by US Forest Service Region 6 providing direction to forests in the region about how they should approach travel planning and implement the travel management rule.   US Forest Service Region 1 Guidelines for Implementing the Travel Management Rule (09/06/2006) Implementation guidance document developed by US Forest Service Region 1 providing direction to forests in the region about how they should approach travel planning and implement the travel management rule.   Scientists Oppose HR 4200 (08/01/2006) Several hundred scientists signed this letter opposing HR 4200 because there are no ecological or economic benefits to post-disturbance logging.   Antiquities Act: A Century of Protecting America's Natural and Cultural Treasures (07/21/2006) On the centennial of the Antiquities Act, Americans have an opportunity to celebrate the natural, historic, and cultural legacy encompassed by National Monuments - and help protect the nation’s heritage.   Thank-You Letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger on his Roadless Petition (07/11/2006) Letter from 8 conservation organizations thanking California Gov. Schwarzenegger on his decision to seek protection for all National Forest roadless areas in the state.   Protecting the Best of the West (05/12/2006) The Bureau of Land Management must start taking its conservation mandate seriously. By Wendy VanAsselt & Christian Layke. Article published in "Issues in Science and Technology," Spring 2006 edition, http://www.issues.org   Quotes in Support of Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness (04/28/2006) Voices in support of wilderness designation for Rocky Mountain National Park, CO.   Quotes in Support of Browns Canyon (CO) Wilderness (04/28/2006) Voices in support of wilderness designation for Browns Canyon Wilderness, CO.   Letter: Bill Meadows to Sens. Domenici, Bingaman, on Interior Nominee (04/05/2006) Letter from Wilderness Society President William Meadows to Sens. Pete Domenici & Jeff Bingaman, Chair and Ranking Member, Senate Energy and Resources Committee, respectively, regarding Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's nomination to be Secretary of the Department of Interior.   Memorandum of Understanding Between the Las Cruces BLM and the Office of Homeland Security (03/31/2006) This document is an MOU between the Office of Homeland Security and the Las Cruces BLM outlining roles and responsibilities for law enforcement within Wilderness Study Areas.   Responses of Solicitor-Designate David Bernhardt to Questions from Senators Bingaman and Salazar (03/22/2006) The Interior Department made plain its proposal to validate claims to alleged highways across National Parks, Wildlife Refuges and other lands in written responses to Senators' questions drafted by David Bernhardt on March 13, 2006. Mr. Bernhardt has been nominated to be the Department's chief lawyer.   Detailed analysis of Mr. Bernhardt's responses to Senators' questions (03/22/2006) This analysis, prepared by conservationists, explains in detail numerous concerns raised by Mr. Bernhardt's responses to Senators' questions concerning the Interior Department’s new policy on highway construction and R.S. 2477.   Letter from House Members on Funding LWCF in FY07 Budget (03/16/2006) Bi-partisan letter from more than 120 members of the U.S. House of Representatives to House Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations, requesting funding for the Forest Legacy Program and state and federal Land and Water Conservation Programs.   Gale Norton Resignation Letter (03/10/2006) Resignation letter of Interior Secretary Gale Norton, sent to President Bush.   Gov. Easely Cover Letter on Petition to Protect Roadless Areas in North Carolina (03/09/2006) Cover letter from North Carolina's Gov. Easely to U.S. Agriulture Secretary Mike Johanns requesting protections for roadless areas in National Forests in the state.   News Release from Gov. Easely on Petition to Protect Roadless Areas in North Carolina (03/09/2006) News Release from state of North Carolina on Gov. Easely's petition to protect roadless areas on National Forests in the state.   Letter from Senate Budget Committee Members on Keeping Arctic Refuge Out of Budget Process (03/06/2006) Letter from nine U.S. Budget Committee Democrats to Budget Committee Chairman Gregg and Ranking Member Conrad, calling on them to oppose any provisions in the fiscal year 2007 budget resolution that would allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.   APA Roadless Petition Final (03/02/2006) Final petition, with over 250,000 signatures, presented to Secretary Mike Johans requesting that the Administration reinstate roadless protections. March, 2006.   Olympic Athletes Supporting Roadless Petition (03/02/2006) Olympic athletes, listed by state, join over 250,000 other Americans petitioning Secretary Mike Johans to reinstate roadless area protections. March, 2006.   APA Joint Cover Letter (03/02/2006) Letter accompanying over 250,000 petitions requesting reinstatement of roadless area protections. March, 2006.   The Mudgetts Equation: The fight for New Mexico Wilderness (03/01/2006) By David Lavender. Article that appeared in Wilderness magazine, Winter 1988.   Briefing Memo on Dona Ana County (NM) Wilderness Poll (01/27/2006) Summary and methodology of survey conducted for The Wilderness Society and others on Wilderness.   Roadless Petition From Virginia Governor Mark Warner (12/22/2005) Petition from Governor Mark Warner of Virginia to U.S. Forest Service requesting protection of roadless areas in Virginia's National Forests.   Letter from Retired Generals to Senate on Arctic Refuge (12/17/2005) Letter from retired U.S. military generals, to Senate leaders, expressing strong opposition to including Arctic Refuge drilling on the FY06 Defense spending bill.   Conservationists' Letter to California BLM About Carrizo Plain National Monument Planning Process (12/14/2005) Letter form conservation groups to California BLM expressing their concern with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) intention to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA), instead of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as part of completing the new Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Carrizo Plain National Monument.   Carrizo Plain - Letter to BLM regarding EIS for RMP (12/14/2005) TWS sent BLM a letter about needing and EIS, not an EA, for the RMP.   Letter to FY06 Budget Reconciliation Conference Committee Members (12/12/2005) Conservation community urges members of conference committee in Congress to remove oil-shale provision from the FY06 Budget Reconciliation bill.   National Congress of American Indians Resolution Supporting Alaska Tribes and Opposing Arctic Refuge Drilling (11/02/2005) Resolution passed by the National Congress of American Indians in 2002 opposing efforts to drill in the Arctic Refuge to the detriment of Alaska's native tribes.   National Congress of American Indians Letter Supporting the Gwich’in and Opposing Arctic Refuge Drilling (11/02/2005) National Congress of American Indians opposes riders on budget bills that alter existing law, which circumvent tribal consultation and ultimately undermine tribes' right to self-determination. NCAI opposes this move to permit drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.   60-Day Notice of Intent letter to Colorado BLM, re: Violations to Endangered Species Act (10/14/2005) The Center for Native Ecosystems, Colorado Environmental Coalition, and The Wilderness Society provided a 60-Day Notice Letter of Intent to sue to the Colorado BLM due to violations of the Endangered Species Act, as a result of an ongoing debate between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the BLM -- do the needs of endangered species need to be addressed before an area is opened to oil and gas leasing, or can the BLM wait until an actual drilling permit has been submitted?   Signed copy of Kane County Complaint (10/13/2005) Copy of lawsuit filed by conservation organizations against Kane County, UT, in effort to protect Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Bryce and Zion National Parks from County's effort to illegally open areas to off-road behicles.   Places at Risk Due to Kane County's Actions (10/12/2005) Kane County, Utah -- home of Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and significant portions of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area -- continues to defy federal officials and put visitor safety and natural resources at risk.   Letter from Senators to Interior Sec. Norton on NLCS (10/06/2005) Twenty-five U.S. Senators recently sent Interior Secretary Gale Norton a letter asking her to support and protect the National Landscape Conservation System, which was established in 2000 to protect the premier lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.   Native and Religious Support for Gwichin and Opposed to Arctic Refuge Drilling (09/15/2005) The groups and individuals below are opposing oil and gas development in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain.   Letter of Concern about Roberts Chief Justice Nomination (09/09/2005) Letter of concern from conservation organizations regarding the nomination of Judge Roberts to be the next Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.   Graph: Natural Gas Production from Onshore Federal Lands (08/16/2005) Graph illustrates the Bush Administration's radical increase of lease permits on public lands. In fact, the current administration has issued far more drilling permits than any other administration previously -- over 6,000 in FY 04 alone, compared to a high in the Clinton Administration of about 3,000.   2005 Valle Vidal Great Outdoor Adventure (08/12/2005) Complete event details for the 2005 Valle Vidal (New Mexico) Great Outdoor Adventure, to be held Aug. 19-21, 2005.   Letter to House Resources Committee on Arctic Refuge (08/04/2005) This letter from Jeb Bradley and dozens of cosignors was sent to Richard Pombo. The letter expresses the Representatives' strong opposition to opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to energy development.   FY 06 Final List of LWCF and Forest Legacy Projects (07/28/2005) List of LWCF and Forest Legacy projects for Fiscal Year 2006 included in the final FY06 Interior Appropriations bill.   FY 06 President’s budget LWCF and Forest Legacy Projects (07/18/2005) List of LWCF and Forest Legacy projects for Fiscal Year 2006 included in the President's budget for the FY06 Interior Appropriations bill.   FY 06 Senate Committee LWCF and Forest Legacy Projects (07/18/2005) List of LWCF and Forest Legacy projects for Fiscal Year 2006 included in the Senate version of the FY06 Interior Appropriations bill.   The Wilderness Society's 2004 Annual Report (06/17/2005) Excerpts from narrative, plus financial summary from the organization's 2004 annual report.   Letter from U.S. Representatives Opposing Changes to Roadless Rule (July 2004) (05/05/2005) Letter from 126 Representatives to President Bush in support of the Roadless Rule.   Letter from U.S. Senators Opposing Changes to the Roadless Rule (July, 2004) (05/05/2005) Twenty-six U.S. Senators sent a letter to President George W. Bush in July of 2004 in support of the 2001 Roadless Rule and urging the President to cease his administration's attempts to undermine the popular rule.   Letter from Governors Opposing Changes to the Roadless Rule (November, 2004) (05/05/2005) Nine Governors sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman in November, 2004 outlining their opposition to proposed changes in the 2001 Roadless Rule and asking that the administration uphold the current roadless area protections.   FY05 LWCF & Forest Legacy Acquisition List (03/25/2005) Spreadsheet with final list of FY05 acquisitions for the LWCF and Forest Legacy program.   A History of Earth Day (03/17/2005) All about Earth Day, by Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day.   Nelson Medal Remarks by Pres. Clinton (02/24/2005) 1995 remarks by Pres. Clinton on presentation of Presidential Medal of Freedom to Sen. Gaylord Nelson.   Memo: Background on 2005 Polling on Arctic Refuge Drilling (02/09/2005) Voter opinion on drilling in the Arctic Refuge has crystallized and opposition has intensified, shifting the debate from a public policy issue to a value in people’s minds.   Letter to U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici on energy efficiency and natural gas (01/10/2005) The Wilderness Society joined a broad coalition of westerners in calling on Congress to solve the nation's natural gas crunch by accelerating the use of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.   Spreadsheet of New Oil/Gas Wells Issued by the BLM in 2004 (12/16/2004) Applications for "Permits to Drill” (APDs) issued and new wells “spudded” (completed) on BLM lands between 1994 and 2004.   Top Ten Reasons Why Nobody Wants to Open Roadless Forests to New Development (11/05/2004) From increasing wildfire risk to an enormous bill for taxpayers, economists, governors, the media, the public and just about everyone has reasons to oppose opening roadless forests to development.   BLM's Assessment of Overview of Non-Agency Wilderness Proposals (08/12/2004) Just before the BLM entered into a settlement with State of Utah that resulted in the agency voluntarily abandoning its right and obligation to designate new Wilderness Study Areas, BLM identified a number of non-agency wilderness proposals that could be considered for designation in upcoming plans. For the Price, Utah RMP, BLM "anticipates considering 855,000 acres for designation as new WSAs." As detailed in the information compiled by The Wilderness Society, none of these lands are proposed for special protection of their wilderness characteristics in the draft Price RMP.   Analysis of Price Draft Resource Management Plan (2004) (08/12/2004) Additional details of the Price Draft Resource Management Plan, which recognizes the importance of wilderness character, wildlife and cultural resources, but fails to impose meaningful protections for these values in the face of widespread oil and gas development.   Analysis of Dillon Draft Resource Management Plan (2004) (08/12/2004) Additional details of the Dillon Draft Resource Management Plan. The plan's 'preferred alternative,' which focuses on a 1.3-million-acre subsurface mineral estate, opens more than 1.2 million of those acres (or more than 90%) to oil and gas development. No drilling has been allowed on BLM lands anywhere in the Dillon Resource Area since 1988.   Analysis of Otero and Sierra Counties Resource Management Plan Amendment (2004) (08/12/2004) Additional details on the Resource Management Plan Amendment for Federal Fluids Leasing for Otero and Sierra Counties, which drastically reduces protections for the many vital resources in the delicate and irreplaceable Chihuahuan desert grasslands.   Analysis of Jack Morrow Hills Coodinated Activity Plan (2004) (08/12/2004) Additional details on the Jack Morrow Hills Coordinated Activity Plan, which opens to oil and gas drilling more than half of an area that the public has urged be withdrawn from oil and gas development in its entirety, based on its unique concentration of wilderness, wildlife habitat and cultural resources.   Letter from 83 Members of Congress to DOI Sec. Norton regarding South Shale Ridge oil & gas leases (08/09/2004) Letter asking Interior Secretary Norton not to approve oil and gas leases for areas in the Redrocks and Colorado Wilderness bills that have been challenged by public protests.   Weiss Highway Historical Documents (05/10/2004) Weiss Highway, Utah: Documents unearthed by conservationists showing that the 99-mile Weiss Highway in Utah's west desert region, claimed by the state of Utah as a potential highway under the repealed and outdated law known as R.S. 2477, was built by and for the U.S. government, meaning that it cannot be claimed by the state under the R.S. 2477 loophole.   Caribbean Nat'l Forest Act: Sen. Clinton floor statement (04/22/2004) Statement by Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY) on Senate floor upon introduction of Caribbean National Forest Act of 2004 (Puerto Rico).   Earth Day (2004) Letter Sent to President Bush & Sen. Kerry (04/21/2004) Earth Day letter sent to President George W. Bush and the presumptive Democratic nominee, Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA), by the heads of 12 major conservation groups and Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson.   List of documents in support of April 2004 lawsuit contesting anti-wilderness settlement between Utah and DOI (04/05/2004) Six documents released on April 5, 2004, in conjunction with legal brief filed by 10 conservation organizations contesting an anti-wilderness settlement between Utah and the Department of Interior. The documents show the settlement was rife with irregularities.   Letter to CEQ challenging McInnis salvage logging assertions (04/01/2004) March 31, 2004, letter from 88 conservation groups to CEQ Chairman challenging Rep. Scott McInnis false assertions about Healthy Forest Restoration Act and its applicability to salvage logging.   Letter requesting extension of comment deadline on Weiss Hwy Disclaimer Applications (UT) (03/19/2004) Letter from The Wilderness Society and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance requesting extension of public comment deadline on Weiss Highway Disclaimer Application because Interior Department web site was shut down as a result of a federal judge's ruling in another case.   Letter from House Members to Bush on Tongass Logging (03/12/2004) Copy of letter and signors of letter from U.S. Representatives to President Bush protecting his decision to open Tongass National Forest (AK) roadless areas to logging.   BLM description of Desolation Canyon (10/30/2003) Description of Desolation Canyon, UT, by the BLM from the 1999 Utah Wilderness inventory.   Yellowstone: Letter from Former NPS Officials to Sec. Norton on Snowmobiles (09/11/2003) In this unprecedented letter in late May 2003, leaders of the National Park Service under Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton came together to condemn a decision to extend and increase snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park.   Experts Agree: Wildfire Efforts Must Focus on Protecting Homes and Communities (08/18/2003) Experts Agree: Wildfire Efforts Must Focus on Protecting Homes and Communities   Letter to President Bush from Colorado State Representative Tom Plant on Wildland Fires (08/08/2003) State Representative and Nederland volunteer firefighter Tom Plant, highlighted firefighter and community risk in a letter to Pres. Bush.   Letter to President Bush from locally-elected officials across Colorado on Wildfire (8/7/03) (08/08/2003) In an open letter to the President, officials urge the President that any fire legislation enacted by Congress this year focus dollars and resources on protecting homes in the "wildland urban interface" -- the area where communities and forests meet -- and not on rolling back environmental protections or limiting public input on Forest Service actions.   Letter from Rep. Mark Udall to CO Gov. Owens, re: RS 2477 Claims (06/03/2003) Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) urges Colorado Governor Owens on June 3, 2003 to reconsider memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Interior Department regarding road claims by state and county.   Letter from CO DNR Dir. Greg Walcher to DOI Sec. Gale Norton, re: Rs 2477 (05/16/2003) Letter from Colorado Department of Natural Resources Director Greg Walcher to Interior Secretary Gale Norton, asking that Colorado and Interior cut a closed-door deal on routes claimed under the ancient repealed law, RS 2477. The State's letter suggests that Colorado intends to press claims of highways through National Parks, Monuments and Wildlife Refuges, through Wilderness Study Areas, National Forests and BLM lands.