WYO Range Celebrated as “Sacred Ground”
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Rock Springs, WY – The Wyoming Range is being celebrated as "sacred ground" this week in Rock Springs. Union workers, faith leaders and outfitters are gathering there for a discussion about protecting the Range, and the Wyoming Range Legacy Act – which is before Congress in an omnibus public lands bill.
The Reverend Warren Murphy with the Wyoming Association of Churches is participating because his group sees protecting the range from over-development as a responsibility to maintain the state's heritage.
"It's one of the few last remaining open spaces and spiritual spaces. It's filled with Native American spiritual sites. It's a place where people can go for respite."
The U.S. Senate has already approved the public lands omnibus bill, which now must be acted on by the House. The Rev. Murphy says the timing is right for Wyoming.
"With the state presently undergoing tremendous energy development, we really need what's left to be preserved."
Opponents of the Wyoming Range Legacy Act are concerned about the ban included in it on new oil and gas drilling. Existing leases would be honored, or bought out.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…
Social Issues
A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …
Social Issues
Colorado is working to boost the state's agricultural communities by getting more fresh, nutritious foods into school cafeterias - and a new online …
Social Issues
Missouri lawmakers are concerned with protecting people from the potential risks of the increasing accessibility of AI-generated images and videos…