Great news!  We've received a preliminary win on one of our most bizarre cases - our challenge to the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM's) cancellation of a grazing permit for reasons related to failing to graze enough. 

In a landmark decision, Administrative Law Judge Harvey C. Sweitzer has granted Advocates' 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. 

Files: 

Order Granting Petition for Stay.pdf

In another precedent setting decision, the Idaho federal court ruled that BLM violated its grazing regulations by authorizing livestock grazing on the 70,000-acre Nickel Creek allotment in the Owyhee Plateau of southwestern Idaho without imposing mandatory terms to protect streams and fish and wildlife habitat.  This ruling followed a 4-week trial in which an Administrative Law Judge found that BLM failed to follow basic scientific principles in its grazing management on the Nickel Creek allotment, despite extensive degradation caused by too many cows on the allotment. <

Files: 

Nickel Creek Decision

On December 16, 2009 Special Master Booth of the Snake River Basin Adjudication ruled that the Atlanta Gold mining company could not rely on technological difficulties or historic gold prices to excuse its forfeiture of three water rights in the headwaters of the Boise River. The mining company hoped to reclaim the water rights in order to recommence open pit and underground mining using diesel fuel, propane, and other hazardous chemicals. In view of Special Master Booth’s ruling, Atlanta Gold has withdrawn its claim to the water rights.

Files: 

Special Master Booth Ruling

Idaho settles anti-discrimination lawsuit agreeing to pay legal fees and revise rules governing leasing of state endowment trust lands to not discriminate against bids to use the lands for conservation.

Advocates wins a ruling in U.S. District Court protecting bighorn sheep. Judge Lynn Winmill ordered a western Idaho rancher to not graze domestic sheep on his BLM allotment.  The decision will protect wild bighorn sheep from catching deadly diseases which pose dire risks to entire bighorn populations.

Files: 

Partridge Order Granting TRO