Sportsmen for the Wyoming Range

Situation:

In late 2006 several world renowned environmentalist organizations were trying to mobilize in an attempt to outlaw oil and gas development on over a million acres of National Forest Service Land in Western Wyoming. Many traditional hunting and fishing groups were also concerned about this “sportsmen’s paradise” but did not share in the idea that current operators or leaseholders should be kicked out of or off their mineral rights holdings. In order to manage this complex issue several of the nations leading hook and bullet organizations turned to Public Affairs Company to orchestrate a grassroots campaign aimed at preserving parts of this forest while working to preserve the rights of oil and gas operators.

Resolution:

After conducting extensive research, it was determined that federal legislation would be required to safeguard hunting and fishing interests while at the same time protecting the oil and gas industry. Public Affairs Company began with a statewide media awareness campaign drawing attention to the wildlife habitat at stake and the existing mineral development already occurring on this Forest Service Land. PAC branded the effort Sportsmen for the Wyoming Range, we educated and recruited influential, conservative-leaning sporting groups that held sway with the state’s federal delegation. Through the use of direct mail, electronic media and a state-of-the-art website, we built a coalition of over 90 organizations in 10 months’ time. In October 2007, following 11 months of grassroots activity directed at Wyoming’s Congressional delegation and key targets in state government, Wyoming Senator John Barrasso introduced The Wyoming Range Legacy Act (S.B. 2226) on the floor of the U.S. Senate. This legislation was ultimately enacted in the spring of 2009. The end result of this campaign was a win-win. The hunting and fishing enthusiasts safeguarded some valuable country and the existing oil and gas developers retained rights to work their leases and in addition to retention of leasing rights a mechanism was also added to the legislation that would allow any mineral leaseholders an option to sell unwanted leases in this forest on the open market. Truly a win-win for all involved.