Conservationists Sue Feds over Plan to Allow Cattle Grazing on 24 Million Western Acres
The suit says agencies approved the plan without required species consultations and could harm dozens of protected animals and habitats.
- On Thursday, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in Portland U.S. District Court challenging a federal plan to permit cattle grazing on more than 24 million acres of restricted public land across the West.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum originally announced the proposal in October 2025 to "strengthen support for America's ranchers" and expand grazing access within National Forests and Grasslands.
- Lawyers for the Center allege officials violated the Endangered Species Act by approving the plan without consulting Fish and Wildlife and National Marine Fisheries, potentially threatening protected species in areas including the Blue Mountains.
- Spokespersons for the Interior and the Forest Service did not respond to requests for comment on Monday, while Matt McElligott, president of the Oregon Cattlemen, said it is too early to comment on the lawsuit.
- Federal agencies recently agreed to fast-track grazing permits citing wildfire fuels reduction, though the lawsuit identifies new allotments in protected areas including the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Sonoran Desert National Monument.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Environmental group challenges federal push to expand grazing across the West, including Oregon
In Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management alone already authorizes livestock to graze on nearly 14 million acres of public lands across. BLM has identified at least 50,000 acres of its own lands and at least 88,000 acres of Forest Service lands that could be opened to more livestock in the state.
Groups sue to halt feds' grazing plan
BILLINGS — A move by the Trump administration to prioritize livestock use on previously vacant federal grazing allotments — including tens of thousands of forest acres along Montana's Rocky Mountain Front, Little Belt, Gallatin and Bitterroot mountains — was challenged…
Idaho Capital Sun
Conservationists sue feds over plan to allow cattle grazing on 24 million western acres
Cattle graze along the Snake River. Snake River Basin steelhead are among species that conservationists are concerned could be harmed by expanded cattle grazing under a new federal plan. (Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management)A nonprofit conservation group is suing the federal government over plans to allow cattle grazing on more than 24 million previously restricted federal acres across the West. The Center for Biological Diversity an…
Conservationists sue feds over plan to allow cattle grazing on 24 million western acres • Washington State Standard
Cattle graze along the Snake River. Snake River Basin steelhead are among species that conservationists are concerned could be harmed by expanded cattle grazing under a new federal plan. (Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management)A nonprofit conservation group is suing the federal government over plans to allow cattle grazing on more than 24 million previously restricted federal acres across the West. The Center for Biological Diversity an…
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