Federal spending package includes sheep language

The omnibus spending package outlines spending for nine government agencies, including the Department of Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, which includes American Sheep Industry Association supported language regarding sheep grazing and wild sheep. The language prohibits the U.S. Forest Service from using funds to reduce domestic sheep grazing because of conflicts with bighorn sheep, unless the management is consistent with a state wildlife plan. The Bureau of Land Management must consult with state fish and game agencies and follow state wildlife management plans to the extent that they don't conflict with federal laws. "The sheep industry is very grateful for the leadership and commitment of Rep. Mike Simpson (Idaho) to include the sheep industry language in the interior bill," commented Margaret Soulen Hinson, ASI president. "This inclusion gives the industry and researchers the necessary time to finalize the implementation of promising vaccines to address disease issues, as well as strategies to implement best management practices to promote the coexistence of both species of sheep." Soulen Hinson added that lawsuits by anti-livestock groups have been driving the decisions of federal land managers threatening nearly 25 percent of sheep production in America...more