Administrative Law Judge Sweitzer has, for the second year in a row, granted our request to postpone construction of new fences or water developments on the GMCA until after the merits of our appeal have been resolved.
Judge Sweitzer's decision is based on his conclusion that we are likely to prevail on the merits of our claim that BLM failed to consult with the interested public about the 2011 Decisions. Under BLM's grazing regulations, they are required to "consult, cooperate and coordinate" with the interested public about changes in grazing management, including the construction of fences. In spite of the fact that BLM has consulted, cooperated and coordinated with the permittees dozens of time since 2008, it has not extended the same courtesy to the public once.
We will now proceed to litigate the merits of the appeal on behalf of Western Watersheds Project and other concerned citizens.
Read the Order below.
