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Crown Jewels Report signals it’s time for Congress to act

Desolation Canyon in Utah

Credit: Aaron Ciuffo

The Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a long-awaited report to Congress that details a list of lands that the agencies see as good candidates for being designated as new wilderness areas. The report, released in early November 2011, was compiled based on the input of local community members and officials, as well as conservation groups including The Wilderness Society. Read more

Protecting Otero Mesa is prime example of how to implement America's Great Outdoors initiative

Rock art within Otero Mesa

Credit: NMWA

President Obama began the America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative as a “promise to future generations” – that our children’s children will experience vast untamed landscapes, clean air and water, and the opportunity to learn first-hand about our cultural heritage. This year, the administration released a report that outlines the goals and objectives of AGO, and how this promise can be fulfilled. Read more

National Public Lands Day Restoration in Dry Creek, Colorado a Whacking Success

Volunteers gather for instructions for a restoration project at Dry Creek

Credit: Barbara Hawke

My feet hurt and shoulders ache, but today’s National Public Lands Day restoration project near Montrose, Colorado was a “whacking” success. The day overflowed with blue skies, sunshine and camaraderie. Region:  Central Rockies Read more

New Mexico’s Otero Mesa Threatened: Help protect a precious desert grassland

Otero Mesa pronghorn in New Mexico

Credit: Nathan Newcomer

The Bureau of Land Management and New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division have issued Geovic Mining Corp., a permit to conduct exploratory drilling on Otero Mesa this summer. We need your help now! Ask BLM Director Bob Abbey to step in and prevent this mining on Otero Mesa. Read more

The Anti-Wilderness Bill: Groups across the country sign letter in opposition

Upper Missouri River Breaks Monument

Credit: Courtesy BLM

The Wilderness Society and a coalition of more than  100 local and national groups sent a letter to members of the House of Representatives on June 14 asking them to oppose a bill that would end protections for vast tracks of pristine wild lands. Read more

Administration backtracks on Wild Lands Policy. Don’t let wilderness foes win!

Adobe Town in Wyoming, now at risk because of the Wild Lands Policy change

Credit: Biodiversity Conservation Alliance

The Department of Interior took a major step backward on wilderness protection June 1.  Bowing to political opposition from right-wing members of Congress, the Administration seems to be moving away from its landmark Wild Lands Policy, put in place just five months ago to help the Bureau of Land Management protect wilderness-quality lands until Congress can act to permanently protect them. The announcement from the Department of Interior strongly hints that this Administration may no longer make wilderness protection a priority. Read more

Delivering a clean energy message to Ireland’s Prime Minister

I can hardly believe the trip is already over!  The jet lag has worn off, but the warm feelings for Ireland and the people I met while there have not.  An incredible place with some of the nicest folks I’ve ever encountered, and scenery that will knock your wool socks right off. Read more

Open Season on Open Spaces: The biggest attack in history?

When did it become open season on our open spaces? First, Congress slashed conservation and environmental programs. Then we saw a backroom deal that stopped the BLM’s new Wildlands policy in its tracks. Now, to add insult to injury, we’re facing a new bill that could end efforts to protect approximately 60 million acres. Read more