Rocky Mountain

NWF’s Rocky Mountain Regional Center works to restore wild bison to grassland ecosystems, protect local wildlife species like the greater sage grouse and bighorn sheep, defend America’s public lands, and connect kids with nature.

Sage grouse flying across a clear blue background

A primer on the federal oil and gas leasing pause

Our public lands are critical for wildlife habitat, for delivering clean air and clean water, and for our growing outdoor economy. Oil and gas companies have had an outsized influence … Read more

Charting a Path to an Environmental Justice Future in Western States

The West is a place of contrasts. Vast, wild open spaces situated next to densely populated cities, complemented by Native lands like the Navajo Nation and many more. These elements … Read more

Native leopard frogs and other wildlife are drawn to new pools in restored prairie streams.

Re-watering the Prairie

Traversing dirt roads in Montana’s undulating prairie landscape on a hot summer day is an exercise in avoiding deep ruts, while watching the horizon for oncoming thunderstorms that might strand … Read more

Noncompetitive Leasing is Bad for Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation, and Taxpayers

Over the past three-and-a-half years, the Trump administration has prioritized oil and gas development over all other uses of America’s public lands.  Anglers, hikers, bird watchers, and sportsmen have widely … Read more

“Energy Dominance”: Three Years of a Disastrous Policy for Wildlife and Communities

March 2020 marked a somber anniversary. Three years ago, the Trump administration announced its so-called “energy dominance” doctrine, which, as the name implies has put energy development as the priority … Read more

Stories Intertwined: How Bison Create a Network of Healing

The history between Native Americans and buffalo is not a story that everyone knows, but our histories are intricately intertwined–and that story should be shared with all Americans. We are … Read more

5 Wildlife Wins Delivered by the National Environmental Policy Act

Whether it’s protecting mule deer in Colorado, moose in Montana, elk in Wyoming, salmon in California or blue herons in Michigan, a law that was signed by President Richard Nixon … Read more

‘Nearby Nature’ is a Human Right

Cities are increasingly acknowledging the need to incorporate nature and green space into their urban planning while balancing new development. This increases livability for city residents, in addition to benefiting … Read more

A Path to Conservation

Wind was whipping—blowing snow into our faces as we trudged the stair-master into the sky. The sensation of being hot and cold simultaneously was overwhelming. The gusting gale was enough … Read more

Protecting Bighorn Sheep in the Elk Range of Colorado

Rising high above the towns of Aspen, Carbondale and Marble, Colorado is the Elk Range, some of the highest and most rugged mountains in the United States. There are the … Read more