AlpineMuleys
FNG
The Sublette herd in Western Wyoming is iconic for many reasons. The main and most famous characteristic of this herd is that it is the longest documented mule deer migration in the world. As with most mule deer herds across the west, the iconic Sublette herd is below objective. It stands at about 20,000 animals - nearly 30% below objective and considerably reduced relative to historic numbers.
We are learning that the number one driver to mule deer population is habitat and its access to that habitat is absolutely crucial. This particular migration has been documented by some individuals traveling up to 242 miles to winter range and back. Considerable time, effort and millions of dollars have been expended for this migration route's conservation. With many natural and unnatural obstacles in their path, the migration passes through tight spaces where most individuals cross; we call these bottlenecks.
One bottleneck in particular is Fremont Lake, just outside Pinedale, Wyoming. With development from town on the west and the long "Finger Lake" to the east, most every deer in this migration passes near the outlet of the lake.
The issue: There is currently a proposal out to the BLM for a bike trail system immediately adjacent to the Fremont Lake Bottleneck. The details of the plan are scant, but there are serious concerns about the proposed placement and extent of development within this critical migration corridor. Furthermore, there are concerns about the lack of transparency that the agency (Bureau of Land Management, Pinedale Field Office) has shown towards the public in this process. The proposed bike trail system includes considerable routes, parking areas, recreational development, and greatly increased capacity for human activity that threatens the functionality of this corridor.
There are numerous alternatives to this location for recreational development that can better accommodate wildlife. Mule deer are not good at accommodating development in the same way.
To be clear, I am not against recreational development, just not here. We have the science and understanding of what this herd needs and what will affect it. We need to listen to those needs and put them above our wants. A bike trail system can be moved elsewhere.
The Wyoming Mule Deer Alliance is spearheading this "movement," and as a member, I encourage everyone to do their best to investigate what something like this might mean to our future and to the future of mule deer. I have started a petition that can be signed online, and we will send it to the Field Manager for BLM in Pinedale, Mr. Stewart Cogswell. Please see the petition linked below and sign if felt moved to do so. Fremont Lake Bottleneck Bike Trail Proposal Petition
www.change.org
We are learning that the number one driver to mule deer population is habitat and its access to that habitat is absolutely crucial. This particular migration has been documented by some individuals traveling up to 242 miles to winter range and back. Considerable time, effort and millions of dollars have been expended for this migration route's conservation. With many natural and unnatural obstacles in their path, the migration passes through tight spaces where most individuals cross; we call these bottlenecks.
One bottleneck in particular is Fremont Lake, just outside Pinedale, Wyoming. With development from town on the west and the long "Finger Lake" to the east, most every deer in this migration passes near the outlet of the lake.
The issue: There is currently a proposal out to the BLM for a bike trail system immediately adjacent to the Fremont Lake Bottleneck. The details of the plan are scant, but there are serious concerns about the proposed placement and extent of development within this critical migration corridor. Furthermore, there are concerns about the lack of transparency that the agency (Bureau of Land Management, Pinedale Field Office) has shown towards the public in this process. The proposed bike trail system includes considerable routes, parking areas, recreational development, and greatly increased capacity for human activity that threatens the functionality of this corridor.
There are numerous alternatives to this location for recreational development that can better accommodate wildlife. Mule deer are not good at accommodating development in the same way.
To be clear, I am not against recreational development, just not here. We have the science and understanding of what this herd needs and what will affect it. We need to listen to those needs and put them above our wants. A bike trail system can be moved elsewhere.
The Wyoming Mule Deer Alliance is spearheading this "movement," and as a member, I encourage everyone to do their best to investigate what something like this might mean to our future and to the future of mule deer. I have started a petition that can be signed online, and we will send it to the Field Manager for BLM in Pinedale, Mr. Stewart Cogswell. Please see the petition linked below and sign if felt moved to do so. Fremont Lake Bottleneck Bike Trail Proposal Petition
Sign the Petition
Protect the Sublette Mule Deer Migration Corridor from the Fremont Bottleneck Bike Trail
www.change.org
