DIAMOND BAR CATTLE COMPANY

Ranch-Forest Service truce sought With a final resolution to rancher Kit Laney’s case in sight, U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., and U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., are urging the U.S. Forest Service to rebuild a working and cooperative relationship with New Mexico livestock producers....Legal advisers earlier this month indicated that Laney will admit guilt to misdemeanor charges related to the March incident with Forest Service officials. On Friday Laney was not at the home of Otero County rancher Bob Jones into whose custody Laney was released by a federal court after his release from jail. A woman who answered the phone at Jones’ ranch Friday said Jones was not there and she did not know where Laney was or how to contact him. Domenici and Pearce said the Forest Service should advocate leniency for Laney as the case is resolved in order to rebuild a strong relationship with livestock producers throughout the state who have grazing permits on federal forest lands....On March 31, Pearce requested an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture into the handling of the matter by the Forest Service. Pearce asked that the Forest Service move forward with establishing strong contacts with livestock producers in the state. “It should not have come to this point, but now let’s put this sad ordeal behind us and move on,” Pearce said. “I’m certain there are more important cases for the U.S. Attorney’s office to be working on that are affecting our community.” Carl Holguin, New Mexico director of public affairs for the Forest Service, said the agency agreed with the lawmakers. Holguin noted the Forest Service was continuing to employ field personnel to work with ranchers in furthering relationships....