Rob Bishop: Public Land Zombie?

“It’s not like Bishop would have to read all 78 pages of FLPMA. It’s right there on the first page, in the Declaration of Policy, where it says it is the policy of the United States that ‘the public lands be managed in a manner that will protect the quality of scientific, scenic, historical, ecological, environmental, air and atmospheric, water resource, and archeological values; that, where appropriate, will preserve and protect certain public lands in their natural condition.’”  Read more – The Wonk Room

Refuting a NV Congressman’s objections to the wilderness policy

“Beyond the aspects of the law, I do not understand your claim that a designation of wilderness ‘locks up’ lands. Motorized access is restricted, that is true. But ask any hunter this question: how many trophy bulls or bucks are taken on public land where you can drive a truck or ATV? Where is the best fishing on public land? Except for motorized or mechanized use, access to wilderness lands is not restricted. Have we become so utterly weakened by modern life that no one will ride horseback (contrary to your expressed concern, I know of no wilderness areas that ban horseback riding) or hike into an area to hunt? The thousands of people who use wilderness areas on their own, or who hire guides and outfitters to hunt and explore them, would object strongly to that notion. (I’ve packed a lot of elk meat out of the woods on a backpack frame, and I know that many other F&S readers have, too.) Entire economies in the West are based on people who love and use wilderness. And these are economies that, unlike mining or energy extraction, can continue in perpetuity.”  Read more – The Conservationist

As Americans, we must carry the torch

“On December 23, Americans received a wonderful holiday present when Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, along with BLM Director Bob Abbey, issued a historic directive that reaffirms the ability of the BLM to determine if there are public lands with wilderness characteristics, including ecological, scenic, recreational, educational and scientific values. The bureau is to make this scientific assessment and planning analysis available to the American people, who will then have the opportunity to become involved in the process by which decisions are made affecting lands all of us own. Because it’s so important for us to participate, and for our country to protect wilderness areas for future generations of Americans, this order was designated ‘high priority’ and the Secretary told the BLM to report back to him by the end of June.”  Read more – The Miami Herald

WANTED: Great Old Broads for Wilderness

“The story, by Will Sands, is about a Durango-based environmental group dubbed Great Old Broads for Wilderness. Members of the group recently felt threatened by posters scattered throughout Utah’s San Juan County saying they are ‘wanted dead or alive.’

The posters go on to say the Great Old Broads are not allowed in San Juan County’s canyon country by order of the Bureau of Land Management and the Sheriff’s Office. Both agencies, according to the Telegraph story, deny any involvement.”  Read more – The Salt Lake Tribune

Also see:  The Durango Herald