Wyoming Range Victory Party

Solar-powered bluegrass and heartfelt speeches by Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, U.S. Senator John Barrasso, and Susan Thomas drew cheers from the 200 attendants who turned out on August 23, 2009 to celebrate the passage of the Wyoming Range Legacy Act. Braving 40 miles of dirt and inclement weather, folks poured in to Gary Amerine’s hunting camp in the heart of the Wyoming Range from all corners of the state, and from as far as Washington, D.C., to recognize the significant contributions made by so many to pass the bill. Signed into law by President Obama on March 30, 2009, the act protects 1.2 million acres of this mountain range from future oil and gas development.

In her keynote address at the celebration, NOLS Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Director Jennifer Lamb took time to recognize those whose contributions were so great but were no longer with us to enjoy the day. Senator Craig Thomas, who passed away shortly before he would have introduced the bill, was represented by his wife, Susan Thomas. Duane Hyde, long-time game warden on the Wyoming Range and a co-founder of Sportsmen for the Wyoming Range, passed away just a few weeks before the celebration.

Jennifer Lamb also noted, “Outsiders to this campaign have expressed amazement with what this movement accomplished because of where it is located – in a region of intense energy development in a state with a proud legacy of serving our country’s energy needs – and because of its scope – 1.2 million acres. But I think what is more amazing is the way that so very many people came together to realize a common Wyoming vision and set a standard for Senator Craig Thomas’ point of balance.”

Several members of NOLS staff and faculty were in attendance, including Executive Director John Gans and the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability team. Shooting the breeze in the shadow of Wyoming Peak while listening to the tunes of Steam Powered Airplane provided a fitting finish to this remarkable chapter in the story of the Wyoming Range.

Some NOLS staff and faculty showed up early and explored the Greys River valley. Good fishing, apparently, and Karly Copeland, Christi Van Eyken, and I can also verify that the tubing is good too.

For background on the Wyoming Range Legacy Act, visit our webpages: www.nols.edu/wyomingrange.

photos courtesy Joy Bannon & Scott Christy