The U.S. House voted today to approve a landmark bundle of conservation bills, including legislation to designate the Snake River headwaters as Wild and Scenic and put 1.2 million acres of the Wyoming Range off-limits to oil and gas drilling.Tetons

The House voted 285-140 to approve the omnibus lands bill, which now heads to President Barack Obama for signature.

The bill will protect 387 miles of the Snake River and its tributaries in Wyoming from dam building and water quality degradation.

Thanks to the late Sen. Craig Thomas for his vision in protecting these natural treasures, to Sen. John Barrasso for carrying on Thomas’ legacy and working diligently to pass the bill, and to each and every one of you for your support in accomplishing this goal.

Stay tuned on plans for a public celebration by the Snake River Fund!

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Details for Wyoming Wild & Scenic Designations:

Area: Snake River Headwaters
Designated River Miles: 387.5
Rivers: Portions of Bailey Creek, Blackrock Creek, Buffalo Fork of Snake River, Crystal Creek, Granite Creek, Gros Ventre River, Hoback River, Lewis, Pacific Creek, Shoal Creek, Snake River, Willow Creek, and Wolf Creek.
Sponsored by: Sen. John Barrasso

More on this:
>> Historic Wild and Scenic River bill heads to President’s desk,  American Rivers

Filed under: Wild & Scenic News on March 25th, 2009