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Images of the West explored by Lewis and Clark are more than just memories in the wildlands of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The grey wolf is beginning to make a comeback, and the largest grizzly bear population outside of Alaska roams this spectacular landscape. The Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, famous for its geyser basins, is host to bison, mountain lions and vast herds of elk. The Salmon and Clearwater rivers provide critical spawning areas for steelhead trout and several species of salmon. Americans have long recognized the natural values of these lands. Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was the first in a long history of preservation measures that have protected important wildlife habitat, rugged vistas and wild rivers across the Northern Rockies. But significant unprotected gaps remain throughout this distinctive system of parks and official wilderness, threatening the survival of the region's unique wildlife. Large species like the grizzly bear require vast areas of undisturbed habitat to survive. Many large tracts of wildlands have been fractured by roadbuilding, logging, mining, grazing, agricultural development and suburban sprawl. The loss and fragmentation of habitat is the number one threat to the survival of the magnificent wildlife of the Northern Rockies. The Sierra Club supports a bold plan of action to preserve and protect what remains of the Lewis and Clark legacy in the Northern Rockies. If we act now, we can ensure that there will still be an American wilderness heritage for our grandchildren to discover on their own. Growing Threats to the Northern Rockies
A Bold Vision for the Northern Rockies: The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act - H.R. 488 The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA), introduced by Representatives Chris Shays (R-CT) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) would provide long-lasting protection for this historic territory and the wildlife that reside there. H.R. 488 uses a combination of time-tested tools and visionary new proposals to protect and restore 20 million acres. Pristine areas would be protected through designations such as Wilderness, National Preserves and Wild and Scenic Rivers. The bill would break new ground by establishing biological corridors to connect isolated blocks of existing wildlands. These biological bridges would permit the migration and genetic interchange of plants and animals, preventing in-breeding and ensuring species vigor. The bill also establishes a pilot system of nine National Wildland Recovery Areas to restore vital ecosystem components damaged by roads, clear cuts, overgrazing, and mining activities. NREPA would create over 2,300 good jobs promoting watershed protection, flood protection, and the restoration of damaged habitat. These jobs would support the region's long-term economic security, which relies on fish and wildlife, clean water, recreation and the scenic values that NREPA would protect. Nationwide, NREPA could save taxpayers $100 million over ten years by prohibiting subsidized roadbuilding and money-losing timber sales in key National Forest areas. Members of Congress should support H.R. 488 to protect the legacy of Lewis and Clark, and to provide a vision of restoration and preservation for all of America's wildlands. Photo courtesy FreeStockPhotos.com. Up to TopHOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use |
The Northern Rockies ecoregion is one of America's most precious natural treasures. Two hundred years ago, this territory introduced captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to the quintessential American wilderness. Although much of the landscape has been lost to logging, mining, development, and suburban sprawl, the Northern Rockies is the only region in the lower 48 states that is still home to all the species present at the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition.