Although Wyoming officials oppose a recent court ruling that re-instated the Clinton era roadless rule, a conservationist says the ruling could actually help,not hurt Wyoming's economy. Eric Molvar is a wildlife biologist with the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance. He says Elk gather in roadless areas, so he says the ruling could help the economy through increased hunting opportunities.
"They function as population reservoirs. When the elk populations in the heavily roaded areas of the forest get somewhat depleted because of hunting pressure, the elk can re-populate from these roadless areas and disperse back into other parts of their habitat."
Governor Matt Mead says the state is still reviewing the ruling as it determines whether or not to appeal.