Bighorn Sheep Taskforce Meets

May 30, 2008 - Members of the American Sheep Industry Association's (ASI) Bighorn Task Force met on Wednesday via teleconference to discuss Best Management Practices (BMP) for the management of domestic and bighorn sheep and to propose legislation to clarify the management of bighorn sheep in the states in which they reside.

In early May, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) made the request for BMP to sheep producers while they were participating in ASI annual trip to Washington, D.C. The requested BMP will serve as a reference for personnel when management issues surface between domestic and bighorn sheep on USFS land.

The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) issued a similar document in June of last year. ASI will work to produce a document that highlights what the industry believes best addresses the issues of management in a way that will not legitimize any opponents' allegation(s).

In addition, the Public Lands Council, in coordination with ASI and several state associations, has been working on language that would clarify the authority to manage bighorn sheep populations, which are not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Staff contact: Dustin Bryant, 202-484-7123

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