Read all about the conservation cases our team took on in 2011.
A Victory for Sage-Grouse and Open Space
Date:
05/19/2010 
In a landmark decision, Administrative Law Judge Harvey C. Sweitzer has granted our motion to stop the construction of new fences on Wyoming's Green Mountain Common allotment. As one of the largest unfenced areas in the lower 48 states, the Green Mountain Common provides unique open space and crucial habitat for wildlife, including the imperiled greater sage-grouse.
ALJ Sweitzer agreed with Advocates for the West that BLM likely violated the National Environmental Policy Act by approving the fences without addressing their negative impacts. He emphasized that a stay is appropriate because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the greater sage-grouse "warrants" protection under the Endangered Species Act.
ALJ Sweitzer's decision is significant because it is the first time that a judicial body has enjoined BLM from undertaking an activity harmful to sage-grouse on the basis of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's March 2010 "warranted" determination.
Advocates for the West is proud to represent Western Watersheds Project, WildEarth Guardians, and several individuals is this on-going matter.
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