News Articles

Panel hears plea for protection (2/28/08) - includes Governor's testimony
Wyoming Range bill to get February hearing (2/15/08)
Gov seeks drilling plan delay (2/8/08)
Forest Service could quash leases (2/7/08)
Residents rip PXP proposal (2/6/08)
Does state have a say? (2/5/08)
Will the 'domino' fall? (2/5/08)
Company proposes drilling in WY Range (1/31/08)
Hoback wells process frustrates opponents (1/30/08)
Agency responds to gas lease ruling (1/29/08) - Good Summary!
Company takes drilling plan to public (1/28/08)
State wants WY Range left as it is - Letter to the Editor (1/27/08)
B-T calls drilling meeting (1/26/08)

Hoback Basin - 136 gas wells proposed in the Bridger-Teton NF

A total of 136 natural gas wells have been proposed for the Upper Hoback River Basin located in the northern reaches of the Wyoming Range.

This development is proposed by a Houston-based company, Plains Exploration and Production Company, who has no experience drilling on National Forest lands. The proposed development includes: 

• 136 wells on 17 pads with 29 miles of constructed or enhanced roads
• Road building and tree removal that will increase sediment levels in the Hoback River and nearby tributaries causing harm and possible death to native trout (like the cutthroat). In fact, this development proposed a well spitting distance away from the Hoback River!
• Impacting a wide range of wildlife – including elk (particularly the Muddy Creek herd), mule deer, moose, antelope, sage grouse, native trout and lynx
• Fragmenting migration corridors for big game 
• Disturbance near birthing areas for elk, mule deer, and moose
• Disturbance in spring and summer ranges for elk, moose, mule deer, antelope and sage grouse
• Reduced hunting and recreation opportunities

Deadline for submitting comments to the U.S. Forest Service was Feb. 7, 2008.

View map of proposed well locations.
View documents of Plains Exploration proposal.

Helpful Websites:

Sportsmen for the Wyoming Range
    ... video: "To Fight for the Land"

Citizens Protecting the Wyoming Range

Barrasso: Wyoming Range Legacy Act of 2007

Read Barrasso's Feb. 13, 2008 Press Release!

October 25, 2007 -- Press Release from Sen. Barrasso's Office

A signature mountain range, named for the Great State of Wyoming, will receive protection for Wyoming sportsmen and visitors to hunt, fish, and experience its grandeur, cowboys to graze cattle and next generations to be inspired by the spirit of wild Wyoming, under legislation U.S. Senator John Barrasso introduced today.

The Wyoming Range Legacy Act of 2007 will protect more than 1.2 million acres of the Wyoming Range by prohibiting future oil and gas leasing, while allowing a buy-out process that respects the property rights of current leaseholders who can sell their leases for voluntary purchase.

Read the entire press release

Read text of the Wyoming Range Legacy Act (S2229)

View Map of Wyoming Range Withdrawl Area

View Map of Contested Leases