Monday, October 10, 2011

Dayville ranchers file suit over elk

Dayville ranchers Loren and Piper Stout filed a federal court lawsuit Friday, Oct. 7, challenging the state to manage elk herds to steelhead standards. The Stouts hold permits to graze livestock on the Malheur National Forest, but have been restricted in recent years by streambank standards intended to protect endangered fish habitat. However, the Stouts contend that the state's failure to control elk populations is to blame for repeated and excessive violations of these standards on streams in their grazing allotment. Although livestock are normally only on the allotment for a few weeks each year, elk are present year-round. "In the same way that livestock use is restricted, the state needs to reduce the number of elk to meet the range condition standards being set by the federal fish agencies to protect steelhead," said Loren Stout...more

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