The fate of 600,000 acres of high desert in Wyoming now lies in the hands of President Bush. Just before leaving office, former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt ruled that conservation should be the top priority for the land, which is home to some of the continent’s largest herds of desert elk, antelope, and wild horses. Wyoming is one of two states where a president cannot unilaterally designate a national monument — otherwise, Babbitt might have recommended such protection for the area. Unfortunately for greenies, the land, known as the Jack Morrow Hills, is also thought to contain big supplies of natural gas. It seems likely that the Bush White House will give priority to energy development on the land.
