Dear Guardian,
This is a big win.
Yesterday, the U.S. Forest Service reversed a decision by
the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest to expand coal mining
into a treasured roadless area in western Colorado.
The reversal was spurred by an appeal filed by WildEarth
Guardians, Earthjustice, Rocky Mountain Wild, High Country Citizens Alliance,
Defenders of Wildlife, and the Sierra Club. It saves the Sunset Trail Roadless Area on the northern
flanks of the majestic West Elk Wilderness Area.
It’s a hard won reprieve and comes as the Grand Mesa,
Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest is facing enormous pressure from Arch
Coal and other coal companies to open up thousands of acres of roadless forest
land in western Colorado for more coal mining.
As global warming continue to take its toll on the American
West, two things are clear: we
need to burn less coal and save more wild lands.
This victory does both.
And this big win would not have been possible without our
members and supporters. Together,
we’re clearly making a difference.
Here’s to keeping the West wild.
