U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke continues his pledge to conserve big game corridors by protecting the Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep Winter Range. The public land order that keeps the range free from mineral withdrawal was set to expire before Zinke proposed to extend it for another 20 years.
This restriction keeps the largest wintering herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in North America from losing their habitat to human development. In addition to habitat protection, efforts like this are necessary to provide scientists the opportunity to study animals like sheep, mule deer, elk, and antelope.
The public comment period for the mineral withdrawal extension is open with the Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Director until July 25.
Zinke proposed to protect big game corridors through a secretarial order earlier this year, but other non-game species also benefit from the efforts. The Department of Interior works for the continuation of thriving big game populations for generations of hunters and wildlife watchers.
Check out this video for more on protecting Whiskey Mountain bighorns.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior
