Written comments can be sent to Rick Metzger, Wind River Ranger District, P.O. Box 186, Dubois, WY 82513. Or send comments by e-mail at comments-rocky-mountain-shoshone-wind-river@fs.fed.us, or fax a comment to 307-455-3866 Attn.: Rick Metzger. Include Scott Well No. 2 in subject line of e-mails and faxes.

Comments must be postmarked by Monday.

CASPER — The deadline for public comment will close on Monday for a proposed exploratory well in the Shoshone National Forest.

The proposed Scott Well No. 2 from Hudson Group would be located off the Brent Creek Road about eight miles north of Dubois at the base of Ram’s Horn Peak.

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed the action under a controversial “categorical exclusion.”

The exploratory well project would require a well pad of roughly 3 acres, according the Forest Service’s scoping notice. Any production from the well would be stored in tanks on location.

Dubois resident Bob Hitchcock said there’s grass-roots opposition to the project because many believe it threatens a critical migration corridor that is a lifeline for about 2,000 elk.

“I know people are divided about wolves and the grizzly, but it’s an important area for them, too,” Hitchcock said.

A call to the Hudson Group’s Denver office on Thursday was not returned.

Hitchcock said the Forest Service’s justification for the categorical exclusion is that there’s minimal environmental impact related to the project, and a very small chance in discovering a commercial oil reserve.

Opponents, however, note that the location is four miles from an existing oilfield. Hitchcock said the company wouldn’t spend the money if it didn’t think there is an oil resource in the area.