Urgent! Wyoming roundups cause environmental damage

Permission given to use to raise awareness crediting © Protect Mustangs

Permission given to use to raise awareness crediting © Protect Mustangs

Your comments are urgently needed to help Wyoming’s wild horses today!

You do not need to live in the U.S.A. to comment as we know Wyoming tourism draws people to the state from around the world to see native wild horses.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the roundup and removal of wild horses from the “Checkerboard” region HMAs–Adobe Town and Salt Wells Creek (ATSW) in the Red Desert of Wyoming. The EA reads:

“All wild horses on private lands and on the checkerboard lands within the ATSW Complex would be removed in accordance with the 2013 Consent Decree.”

Since wild horses move freely from public land to private land in the “Checkerboard” region, will they chase the native wild horses with helicopters on to private land to remove as many as possible from the entire public-private land region? They have chased them on to public land in the past to trap them.

Does this roundup have a back-room connection to BP America’s Continental Divide – Creston (CD-C) natural gas project that will frack 8,950 new gas wells? The massive CD-C project already has 4,400 existing oil and gas wells.

Watch GASLAND Part II on HBO July 8th to see the answer to that question.

Comments are due to BLM Wyoming by 4:30 p.m. Central Time, June 10, 2013.

We encourage you to select Alternative C, No Action Alternative, No removal  

Email your comments to Jay D’Ewart, Wild Horse and Burro Specialist, using this email address: AdobeTown_SaltWells_HMA_WY@blm.gov with “ATSW Public Comment” in the subject line.

Focus on the environmental damage because of the proposed Adobe Town Salt Wells Roundup. Oppose the roundup and request Alternative C, No Action Alternative, No removal. You can make it short. The point is to make a comment because they count how many come in. Below are some talking points:

  • Damaged and trampled plants, terrain and destruction of the fragile ecosystem from chasing wild horses with helicopters and the potential for a stampede.
  • Damaged and trampled plants, terrain and destruction of the fragile ecosystem from trucks and trailers as well as equipment trucks driving in and out.
  • Damage to riparian areas from chasing wild horses with helicopters and the potential for a stampede.
  • Damage to riparian areas and the surrounding fragile ecosystem from trucks and trailers as well as equipment trucks driving in and out.
  • Noise pollution from noisy helicopters assaults all wildlife and disturbs sage grouse.
  • Helicopters pollute the environment. They release CO2 that increases global warming and should not be allowed.
  • Fuel emissions from trucks carrying equipment and trailers for the roundup pollute. Trucks release CO2 that increases global warming and should not be allowed.
  • Dust from chasing wild horses, coupled with the stress, causes upper respiratory infections, possible permanent damage or possible death of native wild horses as well A hurting other animals in the ecosystem.
  • Dust from equipment trucks and trucks hauling captured wild horses in trailers causes possible damage to other species in the ecosystem.
  • Wild horses are a return-native species (E. caballus) and should not be removed. They are an essential piece in the native ecosystem, creating diversity and helping to reverse desertification. If native wild horses are removed the ecosystem will become more out of balance as we see happening because many predators species are being removed or killed.
  • Without proving overpopulation, this proposed roundup is in violation of NEPA.
  • Without proving overpopulation, this proposed roundup does not merit the use of risky chemical fertility control (PZP, SpayVac®) or fertility control made from pig ovaries (PZP-22, ZonaStat-H) as most pigs have become GMO animals and the risks are unknown. The “birth-control” was approved by the EPA as a “restricted use pesticide” only.
  • Without proving overpopulation, this roundup should be cancelled. Even the NAS study said the BLM fails to provide accurate data to support their overpopulation claims.
  • Native wild horses are not “pests” and should not be labelled or treated as if they are. They are an essential part of the native ecosystem.

More items will be listed later. Your suggestions below are welcome.

Read Debbie Coffey’s statement on using the fertility control agent known as PZP:

“PZP and other fertility control should not be used on non-viable herds either. Most of the remaining herds of wild horses are non-viable. The NAS and any advocacy groups that are pushing PZP and other fertility control have not carefully studied all of the caveats in Dr. Gus Cothran’s genetic analysis reports along with the remaining population of each herd of wild horses.” ~ Debbie Coffey, Director of Wild Horse Affairs at Wild Horse Freedom Federation

Read Jesica Johnston’s statement about overpopulation:

“The NAS findings clearly state that the BLM has failed to provide accurate estimates of the nation’s population of wild horses and burros. Therefore, the NAS cannot conclude that a state of over-population exists and or provide a recommendation for artificial management considerations such as ‘rigorous fertility controls’ to control populations for which the complex population dynamics are currently unknown.” ~Jesica Johnston, environmental scientist and biologist.

Here is the link to the BLM’s Environmental Assessment online:

http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/wy/information/NEPA/rfodocs/adobetown-saltwells.Par.74403.File.dat/ATSWEA.pdf

Here is the BLM press release explaining their side:

Release Date: 05/10/13
Contacts: Serena Baker,
307-212-0197

Adobe Town/Salt Wells Creek Wild Horse Gather EA Available

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rawlins and Rock Springs field offices are launching a 30-day public comment period on an environmental assessment (EA) to gather excess wild horses from the Adobe Town and Salt Wells Creek (ATSW) Herd Management Areas (HMAs).The two HMAs are managed collectively as the ATSW Complex due to wild horse movement between the two areas. The Complex is located in the checkerboard pattern of mixed public, private, and state land ownership in Sweetwater and Carbon counties, stretching from Interstate 80 south to the Wyoming/Colorado border. The BLM respects private land owner rights while managing wild horse populations. The ATSW Complex includes approximately 510,308 acres which are privately held. This gather would reduce landowner conflicts where the wild horses stray onto private lands.Population surveys conducted in May 2012 found approximately 1,005 wild horses in the ATSW Complex. However, wild horse populations are expected to increase by approximately 20 percent with the 2012 and 2013 foaling seasons, bringing the population in the ATSW Complex to an estimated 1,447 wild horses by summer.The appropriate management level (AML) for the ATSW Complex is 861-1,165 wild horses. The gather is necessary to maintain the wild horse herds toward the lower range of the established AMLs in compliance with the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act, and the 2003 Wyoming Consent Decree. The AML for the ATSW Complex was established through an agreement with private land owners and wild horse advocacy groups. It was confirmed in the 1997 Green River Resource Management Plan (RMP) and through the 2008 Approved Rawlins RMP. The proposed gather is anticipated in 2013.

The proposed action in the EA is also in conformance with the Consent Decree with the Rock Springs Grazing Association (RSGA) ordered by the U.S. District Court on April 3, 2013, to remove all wild horses from private lands within the checkerboard portion of the ATSW Complex in 2013. According to the Consent Decree, if the numbers are likely to exceed 200 wild horses within the checkerboard portion of the ATSW Complex, the BLM shall prepare to remove the wild horses from the private lands.

The ATSW Complex was last gathered in fall 2010. During that gather, 99 mares released back to the HMAs were administered the PZP fertility control vaccine. Fertility control is an alternative being considered in the EA.

Public comments are most helpful if they cite specific actions or impacts, and offer supporting factual information or data. Written comments should be received by June 10, and may be emailed only to AdobeTown_SaltWells_HMA_WY@blm.gov (please list “ATSW Comment” in the subject line), mailed or hand-delivered during regular business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to: The BLM Rock Springs Field Office, ATSW Comment, 280 Highway 191 N., Rock Springs, WY 82901.

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

For more information, please contact BLM Wild Horse Specialist Jay D’Ewart at 307-352-0256.

Note to editor: A link to the EA and map of the proposed project area can be found atwww.blm.gov/wy/st/en/info/NEPA/documents/rfo/atsw-gather.html.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
–BLM–Rock Springs Field Office   280 Highway 191 North      Rock Springs, WY 82901

GASLAND Part II Grassroots Tour

Photo © Karen McLain Evening Light | Design by Anne Novak for ProtectMustangs.org

Photo © Karen McLain Evening Light | Design by Anne Novak for ProtectMustangs.org

Visit the GASLAND website for more information.

CALIFORNIA

 

5/29 – SACRAMENTO , The Crest Theater Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour 5:30 PM * Reception 6:00 PM * Screening Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox. RSVP
5/31 – SANTA BARBARA, Buchanan Hall Room 1910, University of California, Santa Barbara Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox.RSVP

 

6/1 – MONTEREY, Lecture Forum #102 Monterey Peninsula College Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox.RSVP

 

6/2 – STANFORD, Cubberly Auditorium, School of Education Building Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour 12:30pm * Reception 1:00pm * Screnning Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox. RSVP 

 

6/2 – OAKLAND, Oakland Asian Cultural Center Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox. RSVP
6/3 – SANTA CRUZ, Rio Theater Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox. RSVP

 

NEW YORK

 

6/5 – BINGHAMTON, West Middle School Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Doors open at 6pm. Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox.RSVP

 

6/7 – ITHACA , Alice Statler Auditorium Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox

 

6/8 – CALLICOON, Callicoon Theater Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox

 

6/9 – WALTON, The Walton Theatre Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh FoxRSVP

 

6/9 – PLEASANTVILLE, Jacob Burns Film Center Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour

 

6/12 – ALBANY, TBA Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox.

 

6/13 – SYRACUSE , SUNY-ESF: Marshall Hall Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox.

 

NEW JERSEY

 

6/15 – TRENTON, New Jersey State Museum Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox.RSVP

 

6/15 – TRENTON, New Jersey State Museum Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox.RSVP

PENNSYLVANIA

 

6/17 – BETHLEHEM, Broughal Middle School Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox RSVP

 

6/18 – CAMP HILL, Digi Plex Cinema Center Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh FoxRSVP

 

6/19 – WILLIAMSPORT, Community Arts Center Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox.

 

6/20 – PITTSBURGH, Soliders & Sailors Memorial Hall Gasland Part II Grassroots Tour Followed by Q&A with Josh Fox. RSVP

www.GASLANDthemovie.com

Requesting a 50 million dollar fund for Wyoming’s wild horses to mitigate environmental distress from fracking on the range

Photo © Cynthia Smalley

SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY

Bureau of Land Management

Attn:  Mark Ames

Rawlins Field Office

P.O. Box 2407 (1300 North Third Street)

Rawlins, WY 82301-2407

Email: BLM_WY_Continental_Divide_Creston@blm.gov

RE: Continental Divide-Creston Natural Gas Development Project (CD-C Project)

Dear Mr. Ames,

We are against this massive fracking Continental Divide-Creston Natural Gas Development Project (CD-C Project) and ask you to stop this project before it ruins the environment and endangers America’s native wild horses in Wyoming.

The drilling proposed will not only displace native wild horses but also threaten the wild herds with environmental dangers/disease.

If you choose to go forward with this during the environmentally risky CD-C Project then we ask that you do the following:

1.) We request you take immediate action to ensure native wild horses will live in their native habitat and not be rounded up for permanent removal.

2.) We request you prohibit drilling in native wild horse habitat.

3.) We ask that you work with the energy companies involved including BP American Production to create a 50 million dollar “Protect Wyoming Mustangs Fund” to mitigate the impacts to native wild horse habitat, air quality and water sources from the proposed Continental Divide-Creston Natural Gas Development Project.

4.) We request you never grant NEPA waivers for any aspect of this project. Wild horses and other wildlife, the environment and air quality must be protected.

America’s wild horses are a native species and must be protected as such.

Kirkpatrick, J.F., and P.M. Fazio, in the revised January 2010 edition of Wild Horses as Native North American Wildlife states:

The key element in describing an animal as a native species is (1) where it originated; and (2) whether or not it co‐evolved with its habitat. Clearly, E. 6 caballus did both, here in North American. There might be arguments about “breeds,” but there are no scientific grounds for arguments about “species.”

The non‐native, feral, and exotic designations given by agencies are not merely reflections of their failure to understand modern science but also a reflection of their desire to preserve old ways of thinking to keep alive the conflict between a species (wild horses), with no economic value anymore (by law), and the economic value of commercial livestock.

Please respond directly to me with regards to our requests.

Thank you for your kind assistance to urgent this matter.

Sincerely,

Anne Novak

 

Anne Novak

Executive Director

Protect Mustangs

San Francisco Bay Area

 

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Protect Mustangs is devoted to protecting native wild horses. Our mission is to educate the public about the native wild horse, protect and research American wild horses on the range and help those who have lost their freedom.

 

Artists Against Fracking join the fight for New York

Dear friends,

This week we are excited to announce the broadcast premiere of THE SKY IS PINK and the launch of ARTISTS AGAINST FRACKING.

THE SKY IS PINK BROADCAST PREMIERE!

On Monday at 6pm Regional News Network (RNN) will present the broadcast premiere of THE SKY IS PINK   on The Richard French Live show, followed by an interview with me.

If you don’t have RNN watch THE SKY IS PINK here:

pinkskyny.com

SEAN LENNON AND YOKO ONO LAUNCH ARTISTS AGAINST FRACKING ON JIMMY FALLON!

On last Friday’s Jimmy Fallon Show the world was introduced to ARTISTS AGAINST FRACKING, by Sean Lennon and Yoko Ono in an amazing performance which you can see here:

www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/yoko-ono-and-sean-lennon-part-2-7-13-12/1409642

ARTISTS AGAINST FRACKING is an extraordinary new website and initiative pioneered by Sean Lennon, energizing the support in the fight against fracking of more than 100 of the most compelling artists in the world including Leonardo DiCaprio, Lada Gaga, David Geffen, Deepak Chopra,  and many more.  The list of artists against fracking is growing daily and signifies a huge boost to the movement at a moment where every source of support and influence is needed.  I am heartened by the efforts and good will of these folks who are joining us in this fight and I know you will share my gratitude in counting these remarkable artists amongst our numbers.

Please take a moment to visit the new website and lend your voice to this amazing effort.

www.artistsagainstfracking.com/

NATIONAL MARCH AND RALLY IN JULY and NEW YORK RALLY IN AUGUST TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY NIGHT.

Read more:

CRISIS IN NEW YORK!

New York has reached a state of emergency. Governor Cuomo is expected to announce his administration’s decision on fracking shortly and if the advance word on the street is any indication, then we have plenty to be worried about.  The idea that five downstate counties will be sacrificed is untenable and we are prepared to do everything necessary to ensure that the communities in Broome, Chemungo, Chenango, Steuben and Tioga counties will not be exploited and that the natural gas industry is not provided with easily challenged regulations that invite an eventual onslaught on New York State.

Please sign on and send a letter to Governor Cuomo at Artists Against Fracking, please keep forwarding and posting THE SKY IS PINK everywhere you can and help keep New York safe.

Love,

Josh