Livestock groups denounce "cash-for-grass" offer

State and national livestock groups are denouncing an effort by wildlife groups to pay ranchers not to graze cattle on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. The World Wildlife Fund and National Wildlife Federation have set aside between $300,000 and $600,000 to buy out grazing rights. The groups say they want to end conflict between nesting birds and elk and foraging cattle. The Montana Stockgrowers Association, the Montana Association of Grazing Districts and both the Montana and National Public Lands Council on Thursday call the grazing buyout effort "a giant step backward in finding ways for agriculture and wildlife groups to work together." The livestock groups argue that sage grouse and elk can live in harmony with grazing cattle. Errol Rice, executive vice president of the MSGA, says a better solution would be to seek balance between conservation and producer needs. AP