Missoula, Mont. – A federal district court in Missoula is hearing a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to reopen and expand cattle grazing that could affect grizzly bear habitat.
Several environmental organizations are participating in the lawsuit. They argue that the Forest Service’s decision failed to consider the impact on grizzly bears of expanded grazing in Montana’s Paradise Valley, north of Yellowstone National Park.
Patrick Kelly, director of the Montana and Washington Western Watershed Project, spoke about the importance of listening.
“Having grizzlies on the landscape is a very important point of pride for Montanans. The public interest and public concern and concern for them will certainly motivate our organization to continue to address challenges like this where needed,” Kelly said.
Kelly noted that 26 grizzlies have been killed in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem this year due to conflicts with livestock. He noted that this is the main cause of death in the state.
NonStop Local reached out to the U.S. Forest Service for comment, but did not receive a response.
Kelly said it’s difficult to place cattle in areas frequented by grizzlies and other wild animals. He hopes that the court session will focus on this issue and emphasize the concerns of state landowners.
While conservation organizations don’t expect a decision anytime soon, they aim to make sure their voices are heard at the hearing.
The hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Russell Smith federal courthouse in downtown Missoula.