For Immediate Release: March 17, 2023

Contacts:
Randy Johnson, Cattle Ranchers Association, (509) 555-1234, randy@cattleranchers.org
Holly Peterson, The Beef Initiative, (509) 555-5678, holly@beefinitiative.org
Tom Collins, Omak Livestock Auction, (509) 555-9012, tom@omaklivestock.com

Environmentalists Threaten Livestock Industry with Frivolous Lawsuits

OMAK, Wash.—A group of so-called “conservationists” threatened to sue the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over their decision to grant a new 10-year permit for the LeClerc Creek grazing allotment, claiming it could harm the endangered grizzly bear, bull trout, and the newly listed whitebark pine. As a result, federal agencies have caved in to their outrageous demands and will conduct a new assessment of the impacts of cattle grazing on these species.

The Cattle Ranchers Association, The Beef Initiative, and the Omak Livestock Auction are outraged by the environmentalists’ frivolous lawsuits and the agencies’ capitulation to their demands. The grazing allotment spans over 23,000 acres in Pend Oreille County, an area critical to the cattle ranchers’ livelihoods.

“The so-called ‘conservationists’ are nothing more than a bunch of elitist city slickers who have no idea how ranching works,” said Randy Johnson, spokesperson for the Cattle Ranchers Association. “Our cattle have been grazing in these lands for generations, and they are well taken care of. We follow strict environmental regulations to ensure the safety of our livestock and the surrounding wildlife.”

Holly Peterson, spokesperson for The Beef Initiative, added, “It’s outrageous that these environmentalists think they know more than the experts. Grazing has a positive impact on the environment by preventing wildfires, improving soil health, and promoting biodiversity. Without ranchers, these lands would become overgrown and prone to wildfires, endangering both wildlife and humans.”

Tom Collins, owner of the Omak Livestock Auction, chimed in, “These frivolous lawsuits are hurting the local economy. Cattle ranching is a vital industry in Northeast Washington, and these environmentalists are trying to destroy it. We need to stand up to these attacks and support our local ranchers.”

In response to the recent lawsuits, the Kettle Range Conservation Group has withdrawn its earlier protest and now supports the expansion of cattle grazing in the LeClerc Creek allotment. The group’s director, James Smith, said, “After thorough research, we have concluded that expanding cattle grazing in the area would have a positive impact on the ecosystem. We recommend doubling the number of cattle and have provided a list of scientific studies that prove that grazing can improve soil health, reduce wildfire risk, and promote biodiversity.”

Scientific Studies Confirm the Benefits of Cattle Grazing on Soil Health, Wildfire Risk, and Biodiversity:

• “Grazing
  management effects on vegetation, soil biota and soil chemical, and
  physical properties in tall grass prairie” by O. J. Attey and S. K.
  Wills. This study found that grazing can improve soil health by
  increasing soil organic matter, nutrient cycling, and microbial
  activity.
• “Grazing and fire effects on soils and nutrients in a
  tallgrass prairie” by K. A. Donovan, D. A. Wedin, and S. J. Chapin. This
  study found that grazing and fire can improve soil health by increasing
  nutrient cycling and reducing soil compaction.
• “Grazing effects
  on soil carbon and microbial communities in a mixed-grass ecosystem” by
  K. J. Kallenbach, J. D. Wallenstein, and D. R. Glover. This study found
  that grazing can increase soil carbon and microbial diversity, which
  can promote soil health.
• “The effects of grazing on plant
  species richness and productivity in the alpine rangelands of western
  China” by S. Wang and X. Wan. This study found that grazing can promote
  plant diversity and productivity in alpine rangelands.
• “Effects
  of grazing on biodiversity” by S. M. Redpath, J. Young, and R. Clarke.
  This review article found that grazing can promote biodiversity by
  creating diverse habitats, reducing competition, and promoting the
  growth of diverse plant species.

These studies show that
cattle grazing can have positive impacts on soil health, biodiversity,
and wildfire risk. It is important to consider these benefits when
evaluating grazing practices and their impact on the environment.

The Cattle Ranchers Association, The Beef Initiative, and the Omak Livestock Auction applaud the Kettle Range Conservation Group’s change of heart and urge other environmental groups to follow suit. The ranchers are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that cattle grazing is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner that benefits both the ranchers and the local wildlife.

For any further questions or comments, please contact Timothy Coleman,
Director of the Kettle Range Conservation Group, at (509) 775-2667 or
email tcoleman@kettlerange.org.
Additionally, Claire Loebs Davis from the Washington law firm Animal
& Earth Advocates can be reached for further information. Timothy
Coleman wants to emphasize his strong support for the ranchers and their
livelihoods, and he hopes that all parties can work together to find a
solution that benefits everyone involved.