Ranchers defy U.S. in grazing parched Nevada lands, environmentalists say

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

US | Wed Jun 3, 2015 10:39pm EDT

Ranchers defy U.S. in grazing parched Nevada lands, environmentalists say

A Nevada ranch defied U.S. drought closure orders in grazing cattle on federally managed land, environmentalists said on Wednesday, comparing it to action by another Nevada rancher that led to an armed standoff last year with federal agents.

The ranchers in the Battle Mountain area in northern Nevada let their livestock graze on Tuesday at the North Buffalo allotment managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Western Watersheds Project said in a statement.

"The ranchers generate public sympathy for their custom and culture, all the while despoiling the land, wildlife, and water and disregarding the laws that govern the heavily subsidized grazing permits they feel so entitled to," said Ken Cole, Idaho director for Western Watersheds Project.

Ranchers Dan and Eddyann Filippini announced their action in a Facebook post titled: "Badger Ranch makes a stand!"

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/04/us-usa-nevada-cattle-idUSKBN0OK05O20150604

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. If the government fails to enforce the laws

the laws might as well not exist. The Bundy Ranch episode was not a 'win' for government or the country. It was a win for greedy anarchists who were already getting a sweet deal on exploiting public goods that did not belong to them, but felt that they shouldn't have to pay even a minimal amount to exploit public resources. The government needs to make it clear that it will not stand for this sort of behaviour, not back off and let nutcases with guns rule the day.

[daleanime]

3. +1

[newfie11]

2. Idiots

But I guess they win if the law is not enforced.

[MisterP]

4. they could put up giant signs bawling about how they want ALL the state's water

like in the Central Valley

[Nihil]

5. Post signs that any cattle in the restricted areas will be shot on sight.

Nevada is happy to post that sort of thing for people in certain areas
so it seems only fair.

[mackdaddy]

6. The BLM and whatever Federal Agencies seem incompetent in their handling of these situations

Instead of coming after Bundy and this guy with armed SWAT teams, come after them with Lawyers and the courts.

If they had started taking these guys to court and enforcing fines and laws, they would have been much more effective. You do not need a gun to seize a bank account or property deed as part of a court order to pay delinquent fees or fines.

No one can run a Farm or any business of any size on cash alone.

The IRS and Courts scare me a lot more than SWAT teams. (although of course they do have their own swat teams)