Dear Audubon Advocate,

There is still time to join the more than 12,100 people who have written to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in support of protecting wildlife before next week's deadline.

The BLM is considering putting in place protections for wildlife by taking action to update a 26-year-old Resource Management Plan and is asking for the public’s input. The deadline to send comments is next Wednesday, January 17. These public lands belong to the American people and YOU have a voice in how they should be managed.
 
The Rock Springs Resource Management Plan will determine the future of how 3.6 million acres—an area the size of Connecticut—of public land in southwestern Wyoming will be managed over the next 20 years. This ecologically important area supports some of the highest densities of Greater Sage-Grouse in the world and contains one of the longest migration corridors for mule deer, enabling them to reach critical foraging habitat. 

Now is your opportunity to ensure the updated plan leaves a legacy of healthy public lands, water, and wildlife that we can proudly pass on to future generations.

Our public lands provide important habitat for a wide range of wildlife species, such as Golden Eagles, which are among more than 300 species of birds found on our public lands. The scenic Rock Springs planning area also provides opportunities for people to experience solitude, unparalleled outdoor recreational opportunities, and culturally significant landscapes that contain unique archeological and paleontological features.

This high-profile management plan has been met with concern and resistance because it contains strong protections for wildlife. The Bureau of Land Management needs to hear from people like you who support using science to make management decisions and who value conservation as an important use of our public lands.

Energy development also occurs on public lands. However, geologists have concluded the possibility of future oil and gas discoveries in the Rock Springs management area are remote and existing deposits are insignificant. Where there is low oil and gas potential, it simply makes sense to make these areas off-limit to drilling so they can support healthy wildlife populations that future generations can enjoy.

Take action today and speak up for wildlife and conservation in the Rock Springs planning area.