Major Successes 

1998

UGRA staff filed a challenge to the scientific integrity of sage-grouse lek and nesting area protections: the only protest BLM received against the original Jonah Natural Gas Field. This sub-standard agency stipulation is still being challenged today.

2000

Our staff served as the first Pinedale Anticline Working Group (PAWG) conservation representative; and also served on Water Quality, Air Quality, and Wildlife Task Groups.

2002

Pinedale office opened.  Successfully challenged BLM oil and gas leases offered directly within the Trapper’s Point migration corridor bottleneck, and prevented the sale of 2,700 acres of oil and gas leases.  Eventually led to the Trapper’s Point Working Group, and ultimate decision to designate the Trapper’s Point Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) of 9,540 acres.  Media work: CBS News, High Country News, Field & Stream, Jackson Hole News & Guide, Wyoming Public Radio, PBS TV: “Focus West”, and Fly Fisherman.

2003

We created photo documentation of natural gas field “flaring” incidents & video featuring local ranchers advocating for responsible natural resource management.  Media work: N.Y. Times, Audubon, L.A. Times, Bugle, ABC Nightline, Jackson Hole News & Guide, Casper Star-Tribune, Pinedale Roundup, Wyoming Public Radio.

2004

Wyoming Conservation Congress hosted in Pinedale: “Wells, Wildlife and Quality of Life” attended by ~350 people with speakers Gov. Freudenthal, New Mexico rancher Tweeti Blancett, and four discussion panels.  Governor announced creation of the Wyoming Wildlife Trust Fund.  Developed the Responsible Energy Development (RED) proposal.  Conducted citizen-based “Inspection and Enforcement” campaign in the Pinedale Anticline Natural Gas Field.  Co-chaired BLM Pinedale Anticline Working Group.  Media work: Mother Jones, Christian Science Monitor, Washington Post, Rocky Mountain News.

2005

We hosted the first Pinedale Air Quality Forum, resulting in Wyoming Dept. of Environmental Quality flaring regulation.  Media work: LA Times, Smithsonian, (UK’s) The Independent, Knight Ridder, Associated Press, Casper Star-Tribune, & Deseret News.

Next: Major successes, 2006-2010