It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to one of the Redrock’s greatest champions, Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI).  Russ, as his colleagues refer to him, lost his race for a fourth term in the anti-Washington frenzy of the recent election.  Ironically, Russ is about as independent as they come in the Senate…but that’s a hard point to make in today’s electoral climate.

Hailing from the same state as legendary environmental figures Aldo Leopold and Gaylord Nelson, promoting environmental issues seems a natural fit for Russ.  His involvement in federal wilderness issues began soon after a trip to southern Utah in 1999, when he founded the Senate Wilderness Caucus.  Through the caucus, Russ hoped to educate other Senators who might not know the important role Congress plays in the protection of our special places – a formidable goal for the Senate.

Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Russ’ unwavering support for America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act was manifested through actions taken to defend the land and gain protections – including playing an important role in the improvement of the Washington County bill that passed early last year.

We bid Russ a fond farewell and wish him the best in his future endeavors – which we hope might include protecting wilderness.

Please take a moment to write a short thank you note to Russ. Please email your notes to jackie@suwa.org and our DC staff will print them out and hand deliver them to his office before the end of this Congress.

Thank you!