There is strong evidence that elk need areas away from roads to maintain healthy populations. In the Bighorn National Forest, with its extensive road network, there are few remaining places that offer quality elk refuge. The Cloud Peak Wilderness has no roads yet the high elevation limits the suitable habitat.
This is why, as someone who loves to hunt and fish in the backcountry, I am in strong support of the designation of Rock Creek as wilderness. Rock Creek offers prime elk habitat and is adjacent to Cloud Peak Wilderness. No roads currently exist in the area and the best guarantee it will stay that way is with wilderness designation.
Road building, subdivisions, and energy development have boomed all over Wyoming. To offer some balance, for people and wildlife, Congress needs to act on the protection of Rock Creek.
Nick Dobrick
Big Horn
http://www.trib.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_e82646a3-d188-593e-9481-7824c8375f0f.html
