WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) opposes a New York plan to close more than 24 million acres from access to grazing, timber, recreation and mining. Wyoming and four western states will be affected.

The bill has been introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).

“We know how to manage our lands, not a Congresswoman from New York,” Barrasso said. “It’s interesting to note that not one member of Congress from the affected area supports this bill.”

The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act would designate areas in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming as wilderness.

“Once again we’ve got outsiders out of touch with the West meddling in our land,” Barrasso said. “These outsiders have no concept of multiple use of the land.”