Conservationists Slam Bighorn Forest Plan

Sheridan, WY – Environmental groups charge there will be no new wilderness areas in the Bighorn National Forest under a draft management plan offered by the forest service. And the groups want the Regional Forester in Denver to revise the entire document. Wyoming Wilderness Association Director Liz Howell says only one of five alternatives being examined by forest officials ponders additional area for wilderness protection. But Howell says that alternative won't be seriously considered. Forest Planning Director Bernie Bornong says studying more wilderness areas was considered, but forest officials determined they were not consistent with multiple-use of the forest. The environmental groups say the public should decide that issue.