Leasing Controversy
Since 2004, the Bridger-Teton National Forest has been proposing issuing new oil and gas leases on tens of thousands of acres of the Wyoming Range, a move that would put at risk world-class scenery, recreation, wildlife habitat and streams harboring remnant populations of native trout. The Forest Service identified 44,700 acres for new leasing on the eastern flanks of the range in wildlife-rich foothills, mostly in the Horse, Beaver and Cottonwood drainages.
These proposed leases have been sold at a series of auctions starting in December 2005, triggering growing waves of protests and appeals from many corners, including the governor, labor, outfitters, property owners, sportsmen groups and Citizens Protecting the Wyoming Range. Federal administrative-law panels have halted issuance of the leases from the first two sales, contending that the appeals will likely prevail and the harm of leasing cannot be undone.
The analysis that was used to make the environmental decision to offer these 44,600 acres for sale is out of date. We cannot in good conscience move forward leasing in this area knowing that we are not using the most current information available. 
—Gov. Dave Freudenthal, June 1, 2006 letter to the BLM
Because of the groundswell of broad based support for the entire Range, the late Senator Craig Thomas, and then Sen. John Barrasso crafted legislation that would withdraw the Wyoming Range from future oil and gas leasing. The Wyoming Range Legacy Act was introduced in Congress in October, 2007.
But Right now, the Forest Service is beginning a process to re-lease these 44,700 acres to industry before the legislation has had a chance to protect them. This could start an industrial domino effect throughout the Range. Wyoming's namesake mountains need your help.