Defending Grazing Regulations

August 4, 2006 - The Public Lands Council (PLC) has joined in a lawsuit to help defend the final grazing regulations issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The PLC represents the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the American Sheep Industry Association and the Association of National Grasslands.

"The new regulations stabilize the climate for operating ranches on BLM lands by encouraging good stewardship of those lands," says PLC Executive Director Jeff Eisenberg. "In developing these final rules, the BLM has restored the balance between resource conservation and range management. These are policies PLC and its members are willing to protect with their hard earned dollars."

Upon publication of the new grazing regulations on July 12, the Western Watersheds Project immediately filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Idaho to block the regulations from taking effect on Aug. 11. A second suit was also filed by the National Wildlife Federation, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Idaho Conservation League and the Idaho Wildlife Federation.

A preliminary injunction hearing took place on Friday, July 28, in Boise, Idaho, where all parties were given limited time to defend their position. Presiding Judge B. Lynn Winmill stated that he would make his decision upon thorough review of the written briefings.

"Those who attack grazing fail to recognize the social and environmental benefits ranchers provide to the West," says Eisenberg. "The BLM grazing regulations will help ranchers maintain a stable business climate and stay on the land, while mutually benefiting the environment and the American public."
Reprinted in part from the NCBA

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