Dear Supporter,

Bison get new lands to roam north of Yellowstone, victories for the Snake River Headwaters and the Wyoming Range, and the threat of oil and gas drilling continues. Read on for stories from Yellowstone National Park and the lands that surround it.

Wildlife

Picture this: Sometime next winter, a small herd of bison will wander more than six miles north of Yellowstone National Park in search of forage - just as their ancestors did over a century ago. This will be the first time in decades that bison will be able to migrate to Cutler Meadows to graze on public land. [Bison]

Waters

Anybody who's ever seen the upper Snake River knows it's wild and scenic. Now it's a big step closer to becoming official. [Snake Headwaters]

Local citizens, conservation groups and even the hydropower conglomerate PacificCorp are up in arms about a proposal by Twin Lakes Canal Company of Preston, Idaho, to add an additional dam to the Bear River in southeast Idaho. [Bear River]

Lands

The Wyoming Range took a huge first step toward permanent protection on Wednesday, May 7, when the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee marked up a bill sponsored by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). [Wyoming Range]

Despite strong objections from GYC and other conservation groups, the Dillon (Mont.) Office of the Bureau of Land Management has given the green light to the Green River Energy Resources Seismic Exploration project in the Tendoy Mountains west of Lima. [Tendoy Mountains]

Community Events

Time is growing short to join hundreds of GYC members for all the fun and festivities of our 25th anniversary celebration June 6-7 at the historic Union Pacific Dining Lodge in West Yellowstone, Mont. [25th Anniversary]

A longtime supporter of GYC, local artist Jenni Lowe is graciously helping us celebrate our 25th anniversary by donating a stunning original piece of watercolor artwork. [Jenni Lowe]

Join University of Montana biology professor Erick Greene and GYC Executive Director Michael Scott for an unparalleled weekend of bird watching June 20-22 in Montana's spectacular Centennial Valley. [Bird Watching]

Legendary Craig Mathews, Fly Rod and Reel's 2005 Angler of the Year, will take you in search of the big browns and rainbows for which the Madison is so famous. The July 20-22 trip includes a full day of wade fishing, then a day of angling from a drift boat, and the chance to do late evening or early morning fishing as time allows. [Fly Fishing]

WILDLIFE

Bison get room to roam with historic agreement
Picture this: Sometime next winter, a small herd of bison will wander more than six miles north of Yellowstone National Park in search of forage - just as their ancestors did over a century ago. This will be the first time in decades that bison will be able to migrate to Cutler Meadows to graze on public land.

This exciting event will be possible because Yellowstone National Park, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks and the Royal Teton Ranch (a private ranch north of Yellowstone) have agreed to remove cattle from the ranch so some bison can explore lands north of the park.

The news of this historic agreement became public on April 17, when Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Yellowstone Superintendent Suzanne Lewis announced they had secured this critical six-mile bison corridor that leads to winter habitat on the Gallatin National Forest.

Greater Yellowstone Coalition has been advocating for such practical solutions to bison management for years and we support this agreement, which will provide more habitat to an increasing number of Yellowstone bison.
This marks the first time since federal and state agencies have been managing bison jointly that an investment will be made on the bison's behalf. To date, management has focused on simply hazing them back into Yellowstone or shipping them to slaughter when they attempt to leave the park.

Now, the Park Service has secured $1.5 million, the State of Montana has committed $300,000, and Greater Yellowstone Coalition and other conservation organizations have pledged to raise the remaining $1 million by this fall so that some bison can take these historic first steps come winter.

Over time, as agencies gain experience managing bison roaming outside of the park, we will work to ensure that these lands accommodate more of these iconic symbols of the American frontier. Opportunities to allow bison to use more cattle-free lands west of the park at Horse Butte and Hebgen Basin also are at hand.
Our hope at GYC is that this first crucial step toward providing bison habitat outside the park will eventually lead to the end of the inhumane management that resulted in 1,400 animals being sent to slaughter this past winter alone.

Check out our website at www.greateryellowstone.org for more information on bison and how you can support giving them more room to roam.

WATERS

Snake River closer to 'Wild and Scenic' designation
Anybody who's ever seen the upper Snake River knows it's wild and scenic. Now it's a big step closer to becoming official.

The Craig Thomas Snake Headwaters Legacy Act passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, May 7, moving 387 river miles and 13 streams nearer to permanent protection under the federal "Wild and Scenic" act.

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), carrying the sponsorship torch for the late Craig Thomas, helped push the bill through to what now becomes a vote of the full Senate. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) also supported the bill.
GYC's Scott Bosse has worked tirelessly with our conservation partners in the region to push for this unique designation, which puts an entire watershed under the "Wild and Scenic" act.

Read more about it in the Casper Star-Tribune
http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/05/08/news/wyoming/27291f441f699a2c872574420081db70.txt

GYC working to halt southeast Idaho dam
Local citizens, conservation groups and even the hydropower conglomerate PacificCorp are up in arms about a proposal by Twin Lakes Canal Company of Preston, Idaho, to add an additional dam to the Bear River in southeast Idaho.

The proposed dam on the Oneida Narrows section of the Bear has the potential to jeopardize the 2002 Bear River Settlement Agreement between GYC, PacificCorp, other agencies and conservation stakeholders. That deal included provisions for enhancing recreation opportunities, maintaining in-stream flows for the benefit of aquatic resources, funding to conserve and benefit the resource, and other measures to protect cultural resources.

Twin Lakes' dam would substantially hinder the on-the-ground implementation of the agreement. It would also threaten already-declining populations of Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, a species proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

Nevertheless, this past December the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission formally approved Twin Lakes' study plan for the dam. Due to the convoluted nature of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Integrated Licensing Process, Twin Lakes can pursue its study plans while attempting to renew its Preliminary Application Document. PacificCorp's most recent motion to deny Twin Lakes Canal Company's PAD comes as a result of failed negotiations between the two entities regarding the potential effects on PacificCorp's Oneida Dam, located a few miles upstream from Twin Lakes' proposed dam.

GYC has joined PacificCorp as an intervener in its motion to deny Twin Lakes' application document.

For more info go to:
http://greateryellowstone.org/press/article.php?article_id=1807

LANDS

Wyoming Range gets break from oil and gas assault
The Wyoming Range took a huge first step toward permanent protection on Wednesday, May 7, when the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee marked up a bill sponsored by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).

The bill would put 1.2 million acres of the Wyoming off-limits to future oil and gas production, as well as preventing mining patents and geothermal leasing. It passed 13-9 and now must get approval from the full Senate.

The Wyoming Range Legacy Act of 2007, conceived by the late Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.) protects a 100-mile swath of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

GYC has worked diligently with a wide diversity of residents in the region who cherish the unique, wild characteristics of the Wyoming Range.

Read more about it in the Casper Star-Tribune:
http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/05/08/news/wyoming/27291f441f699a2c872574420081db70.txt

SW Montana braces for oil and gas invasion
Despite strong objections from GYC and other conservation groups, the Dillon (Mont.) Office of the Bureau of Land Management has given the green light to the Green River Energy Resources Seismic Exploration project in the Tendoy Mountains west of Lima.

The project is the largest energy exploration project ever proposed in southwest Montana, and includes:

• Drilling more than 875 blast holes and installation of microphones at 144 locations;
• The development of 3 seismic lines totaling 36 miles;
• The use of trucks, helicopters, ATVs and support equipment on Forest Service, BLM, state and private lands;
• Involves numerous helicopter over flights and landings totaling an estimated 6-7 hours a day for more than five weeks; and
• Crossing the Four Eye Canyon Inventoried Roadless Area, which provides secure habitat for such wildlife as wolverine, Canada lynx, sage grouse and westslope cutthroat rout as well as enhancing linkages and connectivity between the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and forests to the west and north.

GYC, along with Montana Trout Unlimited, Montana Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and The Wilderness Society, asked the BLM to conduct a thorough environmental review of the impacts this exploration will have in the project area because the lasting impacts of exploration could be substantial.

Our request fell on deaf ears.

In the waning months of the Bush Administration, we expect to see a big push for energy exploration and oil & gas development throughout the ecosystem. We will continue to work with our conservation partners to protect the wildlands, wildlife and waters from such harmful exploration.

Read more at: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2008/05/06/dillon/hjjbjejdjbgeei.prt

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Good seats still available for Annual Meeting!
Time is growing short to join hundreds of GYC members for all the fun and festivities of our 25th anniversary celebration June 6-7 at the historic Union Pacific Dining Lodge in West Yellowstone, Mont.
This is a special year for GYC, and the celebratory mood around the Annual Meeting will reflect the milestone we've reached in our commitment to protecting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for current and future generations.

You'll be inspired by the lands, waters and wildlife of the ecosystem during field trips led by our insightful and passionate staff, as well as other park experts. You'll hear about the issues and solutions concerning the ecosystem from those who understand them best, why they're important, and ways you can help.

Best of all, you'll get to share a connection to this precious landscape with hundreds of like-minded people from diverse regions, backgrounds and interests.

Early June is a beautiful, uncrowded time to spend a few days in and around Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife such as wolves, bears and elk are still at lower elevations due to snow in the high country. Wildflowers are in bloom, trees have leafed out and the pristine air has the scent of summer.

Bring your fly rod, mountain bike, camera and hiking boots for a memorable weekend in the last great temperate ecosystem in North America. Bring a friend, too - the public is welcome to attend.

To register or for a complete list of events and highlights, go to: www.greateryellowstone.org/annualmeeting or call events coordinator Teresa Soule at 556-2834.

Don't miss out on Jenni Lowe commemorative watercolor!
Jenni Lowe's gifts as an artist painting the landscapes, animals and people of Montana have earned her national acclaim, but she hasn't forgotten her roots.

A longtime supporter of GYC, Jenni is graciously helping us celebrate our 25th anniversary by donating a stunning original piece of watercolor artwork. Jenni will be on hand to sign and number 50 special giclee prints, as well as sign posters of her work, which features 25 native creatures amid the splendor of Yellowstone National Park at our Annual Meeting on June 6-7 in West Yellowstone.

Jenni will also lead a watercolor-painting field trip into the park on Friday, June 6. That day, she will autograph her new book, "Forget Me Not", a memoir about her life with the late mountaineering legend Alex Lowe. Don't miss her talking about the book on NBC's Today Show on May 19.

Jenni's passion for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem runs deep. She was born in Missoula and worked the fields of her grandparents' homestead in the Grasshopper Valley of southwest Montana. Since graduating from Montana State University in 1987, has been featured in 22 shows throughout the West, and her work has landed in the private collections of many regional luminaries, including Peter Fonda, Michael Keaton and Jeff Bridges.

To order either the print ($275) or poster ($20), call GYC events coordinator Teresa Soule at 556-2834 or while registering at www.greateryellowstone.org/annual meeting. They will also be available for purchase at the Annual Meeting.

Come bird-watching in Montana's scenic Centennial Valley
Join University of Montana biology professor Erick Greene and GYC Executive Director Michael Scott for an unparalleled weekend of bird watching June 20-22 in Montana's spectacular Centennial Valley.

While enjoying all the comforts of private cabins and gourmet meals at the Centennial Ranch, guests will marvel at the stunning diversity of avian life in this undeveloped high mountain valley. The centerpiece is the 45,000-acre Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 260 bird species - some 70 percent of all types found in Montana. Included are the densest breeding populations of peregrine falcons, ferruginous hawks and trumpeter swans in the state.

Greene's research focuses on the behavior, ecology and conservation of birds and insects.

Your hosts are John and Melody Taft, longtime GYC supporters who are passionate advocates for preserving this unspoiled corner of Montana. A renowned gourmet chef, Melody will prepare meals; John is a founding member of GYC.

The price is $1,000 per person, which includes two nights at the private Centennial Ranch as well as meals, guiding and interpretive services. This trip is exclusive to GYC members. Airfare and transportation too and from the ranch is not included.

A portion of the fee will benefit GYC. For more information or to reserve a spot, call Heidi Barrett at 800-775-1834.

Fly fish for trout with a master on Montana's mighty Madison
What better way to celebrate GYC's 25th anniversary than to fly fish on Montana's quintessential trout stream with the West's quintessential guide?

Legendary Craig Mathews, Fly Rod and Reel's 2005 Angler of the Year, will take you in search of the big browns and rainbows for which the Madison is so famous. The July 20-22 trip includes a full day of wade fishing, then a day of angling from a drift boat, and the chance to do late evening or early morning fishing as time allows.

Guests will stay at the breath-taking Elk Meadows Ranch, which sits at the base of the Madison Range not far from the famed Three Dollar Bridge fishing access. This event is exclusive to GYC members; you along with Craig, GYC Rivers Conservation Coordinator Scott Bosse and GYC Executive Director Michael Scott will be the only guests at the ranch.

Craig, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, will talk about his 40 years of fishing as well as his 1% For The Planet, an alliance of businesses that contribute at least 1 percent of their revenues to conservation organizations. Scott and Michael will report on GYC's recent on-the-ground rivers work.

Cost is $1,850 and includes three nights at the Elk Meadows Ranch, all meals, two-plus days of professional guided fishing, a special GYC fishing net and Craig's Flyfishing the Madison River DVD. Airfare and transportation to the ranch are not included.

To register for GYC's Summer Fly Fishing Event or for more information, call Heidi Barrett at 800-775-1834.