|
The west is characterized by diverse geological structures and plant communities. Alpine tundra grades into sub-alpine forests interspersed with meadows and streams. Montane forests give way to critical mountain shrub communities and at lower, drier elevations shrubs give way to grasslands or deserts. The Rocky Mountain Natural Resource Center has a long history of successfully protecting western landscapes and wildlife by advocating for wildlife habitat as an important use of western public lands. We are able to engage the powerful hunting and angling communities and to reach out to and empower Native American tribes to promote wildlife restoration and habitat conservation. Our other goals are to protect critical habitat along western waterways such as the Central Platte River and to promote environmental education in the broader community. Whenever issues impact the wildlife and the landscapes of the west, we will work with our affiliates and partners to find a sound, common-sense solution that represents the voices and views of NWF's members and supporters and
that benefits both wildlife and the land.
NWF Calls Ritter a "True Conservationist"
DENVER – Long after he’s left the state capitol, Gov. Bill Ritter will be remembered as a true conservationist for his efforts to protect Colorado’s fish and wildlife heritage.
By signing into law updated oil and gas regulations last year, Gov. Ritter sent a strong signal that public health, water and wildlife should not be jeopardized by the rush to develop the state’s energy resources.
"Gov. Ritter deserves credit for proving that wildlife protection and responsible energy development are not mutually exclusive," said Steve Torbit, the National Wildlife Federation’s regional executive director for the Rocky Mountain area.
Torbit noted that the oil and gas rules – and Gov. Ritter – have been unjustly blamed for the slower pace of energy development in Colorado recently.
"Despite what the energy industry claims, the slowdown in drilling is related to market conditions, not the oil and gas rules," Torbit said. "Those rules will benefit all Coloradans for generations – and we have Gov. Ritter to thank for them."
Pronghorn roam across our western lands, but one intriguing place they call home is the Red Desert.
Take a virtual tour of one of North America's last high-desert ecosystems and learn how you can stand up for this special place.
Sportsmen hope to bring balance to Oil and Gas Development in the West.
 Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development is represented by businesses, organizations, and individuals who are working to strike a balance between energy development and conservation in the West. We have set our sights on reforming the laws, regulations, and policies that ensure respect for the traditions of the West. We will fight to protect the rights of sportsmen to hunt and fish on public lands, now and for generations to come.
Find out more...
|
