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In addition to providing a crucial habitat for over 350 species, including pronghorn antelope, the Red Desert has deep historic significance. Evidence in the form of rock art, petroglyphs and ancient artifacts indicates that some of the first humans to exist in North America thrived in the Red Desert.

The reservoirs of coal bed methane, natural gas, and oil beneath the desert's surface have long been sought after by the extractive oil industry. Now, leases are being proposed at an alarming level. A minimum of 10,000 wells are projected for the region over the next few years. Along with these wells will come thousands of miles of roads, pipelines and telephone lines, creating a web of industrialization.

Despite more than 65,000 public comments recently submitted to the Bureau of Land Management in support of a balanced approach to development, there is great concern that the BLM will go through with a management plan that heavily favors industry and drilling. If this happens, the desert will be opened up for rampant and uncontrolled drilling that neglects the use of the best sustainable practices and technology, and does not favor monitoring. This will undoubtedly fragment habitat and migratory routes, worsen air quality, erode the sensitive desert surface, destroy cultural resources and affect the long term tourism, hunting and ranching economies.

Sierra Club advocates permanent protection of the most prized areas in the Red Desert by designating them a National Conservation Area. The provisions that Sierra Club is seeking would keep all remaining public uses intact while prohibiting oil and gas development and buying out existing leases. In addition, all county roads would remain open.

For more information on the Red Desert Campaign contact Kate Drexler at kate.drexler@sierraclub.org.