Good conversation on this over at Ralph Maughan’s site:

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EDIT: Yesterday I exchanged emails with Michael Garrity, Executive Director of the Alliance For The Wild Rockies. He explained to me that George Wuerthner’s column accurately represents the group’s view on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Partnership. Over the past few months I have tried to post views from those for the plan (TU), and those opposed to it (AWR).

Very interesting article by George Wuerthner. While I like parts of the plan, I can see why some would have their doubts. Giving up roadless land for wilderness seems like a bad option. But I think many of these lands in this area are in danger of being “ORV’ed” to death, and the proposed wilderness areas would help stem that.

The Beaverhead -Deerlodge National Forest is an expansive, wild area that sees few visitors. It really is something to behold.

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Nearly all of the roadless lands proposed for wilderness lie outside of what the FS considers the suitable timber base. In other words, the timber industry would never get to log these lands anyway.

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However, this is all threatened by the massive development plan Plum Creek is proposing for the Moosehead region. They are pushing for the rezoning of 22,000 acres of wilderness into house lots, resort accommodations, and various commercial developments.

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That’s the new membership arm of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, a group of folks who, by signing on, throw their collective support behind ongoing trail maintenance and wilderness restoration work.

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The El Rito Ranger District, located off NM 554 between Abiquiu and Ojo Caliente, began accepting applications for pre-adoptions Dec. 1, Carson National Forest Public Affairs Officers Kathy DeLucas said.

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Even when the ponds are dry, they’re important to the striped newt, a rare amphibian that lives in North Florida and South Georgia, Means said. But vehicles damage ponds and destroy vegetation surrounding them, threatening the striped newt and other species that depend on the ponds.

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“No, we aren’t getting out of the real estate business,” Callahan said firmly. “We’re more than half-pregnant with this, and we think it’s a good business for us.”

Then he said, just as firmly, that some things would change going forward.