The Wyoming Range, a part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, has caught the interest of the energy industry, which hopes that the huge payouts found in the neighboring Upper Green River Valley will extend into the mountains.

One Houston energy firm is seeking to drill wildcat wells in the Range's upper Hoback drainage. The drill site would be in a Roadless area considered crucial winter range for moose and vital for the recovery of Canada lynx.  A lucrative energy strike here could usher in an onslaught of industrial drilling across the Wyoming Range, degrading the character of this scenic mountain range forever.

The Wilderness Society is part of an effort to stop this project.  You can help by weighing in with the Forest Service.  Please remember that adding a few words about your concern for wildlife or roadless areas would add impact to your letter.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Energy development simply does not belong in the Wyoming Range, and I am writing to urge the Forest Service to be as restrictive as possible when considering the Eagle Prospect project or any other new energy activity in the Wyoming Range.

Drilling here would not constitute the "greatest good for the greatest number." Rather, it would displace the traditional multiple uses that are now a key driver of western Wyoming's recreation-based economy. Western Wyoming is doing its share to provide energy to the nation. Development of this field will not add measurably to the gas reserves being extracted from areas like the Jonah Field and the Pinedale Anticline. It will, however, forever change the character of the Wyoming Range.

Specifically, I urge the Forest Service to fully consider the comments of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department which noted a number of flaws and omissions in the draft EIS, especially the Forest Service's failure to consider the larger impacts of what the exploratory wells seek to enable: full-field development.

I also understand that Wyoming Game and Fish biologists asked the Forest Service to consider a fuller range alternative drilling location in a less sensitive area, but no such analysis was undertaken. This shortcoming must be fully remedied.

In addition, the Forest Service should fully analyze the possibility of requiring helicopter rig and crew transport, rather than allow further road building in this special landscape.

I also am concerned about the impact of possible drilling on Roadless areas and wildlife. For example, of the 10,927 acres of Forest Service land in the project area, 7,805 acres is part of the Grayback Ridge Inventoried Roadless Area. This region is the largest primitive/semi-primitive area outside of wilderness on the Bridger-Teton and should be more fully protected.

In conclusion, the Wyoming Range's natural and recreational values lure millions of dollars into local economies and support hundreds of jobs. The scenery and alpine vistas, clear streams, agriculture heritage and clean air - which bring lasting economic benefits - would be put at risk if you allow energy development here.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 11, 2007