Federal Protection Weighed for Plant in Gypsum Prospect Area

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A small area of prairie straddling the Wyoming-Montana line is the only place where the thick-leaf bladderpod can be found.

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The area is also a promising source of gypsum, a mineral used to make fertilizer, cement, paper, and plaster.

Mexico-based building materials company Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua wants to conduct exploratory drilling there.

The Center for Biological Diversity has asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to grant the thick-leaf bladderpod federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the Fish and Wildlife Service agreed this week to review the proposal.

Listing the plant as endangered or threatened could preclude mining in the area.

Here Are 7 Unique Places In Wyoming That You May Want To Visit

Wyoming's State and National Parks are well-known tourist destinations, but there is so much more to see off the beaten path. Here are 7 unique places in Wyoming that you might want to add to your next road trip.

Gallery Credit: Quench Your Adventure

Filed Under: Associated Press, wyoming, wyoming fish and wildlife

Categories: Associated Press, News