Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** This national monument was privatized. Now it's abandoned
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024
William F. Cody with a group in Frost Cave, now knows as Spirt Mountain Cavern, 1909; MS 6 William F. Cody Collection, McCracken Research Library ([link removed])
President William Howard Taft established the 210-acre Shoshone Caverns National Monument ([link removed]) at the behest of the residents of Cody, Wyoming in 1909, just three years after the Antiquities Act became law.
Taft called the caverns “Magnificently decorated with sparkling crystals and beautiful stalactites, containing impenetrable pits of unknown depths... of great scientific interest and value to the people of the United States,” at the time. ([link removed]) Much of the caverns have been mapped and explored, including a large room that's 300 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 40 feet high. However, the full extent of the caverns is unknown. That's partially because Congress abolished the national monument ([link removed]) in 1954, leading to decades of mismanagement.
Residents of Cody thought the caves would attract more tourism in private hands, so they lobbied Congress for control over the land. Congress transferred it ([link removed]) to the town of Cody, which leased it to private citizens, who opened it as Spirit Mountain Caverns in 1957. The new owners altered the caverns, including flattening portions of them and installing an arch at the main entrance. But the caves didn't draw the kind of crowds they were hoping for, so they abandoned their lease ([link removed]) in the 1960s.
Now, the caverns are back under federal ownership ([link removed]) . But, lacking a monument designation, there hasn't been an effort to increase public interest in them or study them for their scientific potential. In fact, the Bureau of Land Management blocked off the entrance to the caverns to keep people from wandering in and getting hurt. To access them today, you need a permit ([link removed]) .
** Quick hits
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Utah gave a nonprofit $5 million to fight wolf protections. Audit raises questions about where it went
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed]) | KSL ([link removed])
Wildlife rebounds after wild horse roundups on Wind River Reservation
WyoFile ([link removed])
U.S. Department of Agriculture steps up wildlife habitat protection
E&E News ([link removed].) | USDA ([link removed])
How Project 2025 would decrease protections for nature
Center for American Progress ([link removed])
Mountain lakes are losing winter ice cover, and that hurts native fish and water quality
KUNR Public Radio ([link removed])
What will the future of coal country in Montana be?
Montana Free Press ([link removed])
Glacier, Yellowstone national parks see boost in visitor numbers
Daily Montanan ([link removed])
A global push to protect nature is happening now
New York Times ([link removed]) | Washington Post ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” We used to drive around and see horses... Now we can drive around and see wildlife.”
—Art Lawson, who directs Shoshone and Arapaho Fish and Game, WyoFIle ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. When you head out to stargaze, take your family or friends and let your eyes adjust to the wonder above.
@lassennps ([link removed]) in northeastern California is one of the best places to learn about the splendor of the night sky. Far from the light pollution of civilization, it’s one of the last sanctuaries of natural darkness. Whether you want to catch a glimpse of Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS or November’s Beaver Moon, Lassen’s dark skies offer an unparalleled view of the celestial wonders.
Photo of Comet NEOWISE by Bob Wick
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