The Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming is part of an amazing system of national parks, national forests and refuges called the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Teeming with wildlife -- moose, pronghorns, bears, wolves and Canada lynx -- the Bridger-Teton provides critical habitat and a vital crossroads for migrating animals .
But plans being made right now by would drastically and forever change this wild place, with drill pads and wells, miles of roads, waste treatment plants, and water and air pollution.
We can change the future of this place, by convincing the Forest Service to buy back leases. And, if a buy-out of leases is not possible, to demand the highest environmental standards be met before drilling can take place.
Tell the Bridger-Teton National Forest supervisor to Protect Great Yellowstone's wildlife and wild lands.
Dear Ms. Jacqueline A. Buchanan,
The Bridger-Teton National Forest spreads south from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks to the Wild and Scenic Hoback River and the Wyoming Range. It is an important part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Oil and gas development is not the highest and best use of this world-class forest, and that's why Congress passed the Wyoming Range Legacy Act in 2009.
That's why I want the USFS to buy back leases in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Alternative E in your draft environmental impact statement
Because PXP may reject a buy out of leases, I urge you to impose the strictest environmental standards and protections on this natural gas development.
This means that the Forest Service must supplement its DEIS with an environmentally-protective alternative, including requirements for gathering baseline data for air, water and wildlife before any development. If drilling must take place, it should be phased over time with concentrated facilitites, and using state-of-the art green technologies. The company should be held accountable, by monitoring impacts and putting a stop to drilling if air, water or wildlife are harmed.
I deeply value this place and believe the Bridger-Teton National Forest should not allow drilling in such a critical wild land area. If the Forest Service chooses to allow this project to move forward, then please consider these important and necessary measures.
