The Wicked Witch of the West
They call her the "Wicked Witch of the West " and she couldn’t be happier with the title. I’m Susan Allen I’ll be back on today’s Open Range to tell you about one interesting lady. Environmentalists have dubbed Harriet Hagemen a lawyer from Cheyenne, “The Wicked Witch of the West” while ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts consider her “Glenda the Good Witch” for her tenacity to continue to fight for their rights. Through her tireless efforts Hageman is the reason the Clinton “Roadless Rule” was ruled invalid in 2003 as she proved it violated a host of federal environmental statutes. Remember, it was the politically driven, ecologically devastating legislation was enacted right before Clinton left office placing 58.5 million acres of federal land off-limits to road construction and development. Hageman who grew up on a ranch aggressively fights for the interests of ranchers regarding water rights, natural resource, grazing, endangered species implications and wolf recovery. Not one to mince words she blames recent wild fires and beetle damage on improper forest management and is pushing to get big government out of the woods. Environmentalists call her fierce, one publication wrote they have nightmares of her flying at them on a broom, frightening little green munchkins. Hagemen formed the Wyoming Conservation Alliance to increase public participation at state and federal level. She hopes to turn it into a national resource, Don’t bet against her! I’m Susan Allen