Victory for Bighorn Sheep!

26th of Mar 2014

Environmental law Bighorn sheep Advocates for the West

On Monday, March 17th – 2014, Advocates for the West’s Senior Attorney Laurie Rule appeared in court as an intervenor on behalf of the US Forest Service. We backed the agency’s decision to restrict domestic sheep grazing on much of the Payette National Forest due to the likelihood of domestic and bighorn interaction. Such interactions lead to bighorn contracting a fatal disease from the domestic sheep. This restriction was challenged by the Idaho Woolgrower’s Association.

Just over a week later, Judge Tashima issued his ruling – the Forest Service was correct in its decision and the science backing the restrictions is sound. This decision will provide much needed protection for the last native bighorn sheep in Idaho. Read Judge Tashima’s court order for more details on the decision:

3-25-14 Court Order – Bighorn Sheep