Dear Senator Feinstein,
I am writing to express my strong support for protecting America's wilderness heritage.
Soon, you will be voting on the first wilderness bill of the 110th Congress, H.R. 886 / S.520,
the Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2007, introduced by Rep. Larsen (D-WA) and Sen. Patty
Murray (D-WA). I urge you to vote to permanently protect the Wild Sky wilderness.
Additionally, Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) will be reintroducing America's Red Rock Wilderness Act. We urge you to become an original cosponsor to show support for protecting wilderness in Utah and across the country.
The Wild Sky Wilderness Act will protect over 106,000 acres of roadless National Forest
land as Wilderness. This beautiful forest includes trees that stand more than 200 feet tall
and are over 300 years old. These old growth stands include habitat for many endangered
and sensitive species.
America's Red Rock Wilderness Act will permanently protect some of the most magnificent
lands of the Colorado Plateau. In total, this legislation would preserve over 9 million acres
of Utah's incomparable red rock canyonlands, pristine Mojave Deserts, and vast Basin and
Range wilderness. This landscape is an iconic symbol of America's western heritage that
deserves protection.
The Wild Sky bill enjoys bipartisan support in Congress and has passed the U.S. Senate in
each of the last three Congresses. The bill is supported by a broad and diverse group of
local elected officials, opinion leaders, businesses, conservation groups, religious leaders
and citizen organizations in Washington State.
Please show your dedication to America's treasured wilderness. Not only for its beauty and
grandeur, but for it's biodiversity and for the future generations.
In Utah, America's Red Rock Wilderness Act would permanently protect public lands
treasured by all Americans for the many benefits they offer, including unique opportunities
to access and enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, sight-seeing, and many other
recreational activities.
Many of the activities that take place in lands protected by America's Red Rock Wilderness
Act and the Wild Sky Wilderness Act help support the economies of nearby communities.
Sadly, the pristine character of America's Red Rock Wilderness and the Wild Sky wilderness
is threatened by a dramatic increase in oil and gas development, destructive logging, and
the exponential growth of off-road vehicle use and destructive abuse.
Please show your support of America's wilderness revival by voting to support the Wild Sky
Wilderness Act and by becoming an original co-sponsor of America's Red Rock Wilderness
Act.
Sincerely,
Andrew Stephens
2429 Mohawk St. Unit 1
Pasadena, CA 91107