8:00 am - 2:00 pm • Tucson 41-42 Rooms
NCBA Federal Lands Committee
Andy Groseta, Chair; John O’Keeffe, Vice Chair

Cattlemen discuss federal lands, property rights issues

Its 30-year anniversary nearing, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) seemed to be the theme of the joint meeting of the Federal Lands and the Property Rights and Environmental Management committees of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). The joint committee met Jan. 30 during the 2004 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix, Ariz.

Keynote speaker Tom Sansonetti, assistant attorney general of natural resources and environment, discussed lawsuits regarding property, water and grazing rights in addition to the ESA. He noted the increase in environmental lawsuits in recent years, pointing out the existence of more than 7,135 current cases, from every state in the Union, dealing with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting over,” Sonsonetti said, quoting John Wayne to describe water-rights battles.“Fighting for water isn’t just for Western folks anymore.” Pointing to eastern droughts as grounds for battles, Sansonetti discussed issues of the Clean Water Act, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grazing regulations, and the effects of the ESA, which he described as “the 800-pound gorilla” in many environmental lawsuits.

Julie MacDonald, senior advisor to the assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks, spoke to the audience about dealing with restrictions imposed under the ESA and what her agency does in regard to the act. She described actual circumstances of listed endangered species and the effects on landowners and land users. She praised the state of Idaho for having a “proactive” cattle industry and state, as a whole, in combatting environmental issues.

Speaker Joel Harris, from the office of Colorado Governor Owens described Colorado’s proactive response to the ESA and encouraged other states to do the same. The ESA, Harris said, is “clearly one of the most powerful and far-reaching laws ever passed.” He explained Colorado’s policy of aggressive recovery efforts and maintaining a good working relationship with landowners before an animal is added to the endangered species list.

“Work with us as we work with Congress,” Harris encouraged. He stressed the importance of putting a recovery plan in place before listing becomes necessary. “Allow us to demonstrate that recovery is possible.”

Speakers answered questions from the audience at the conclusion of each presentation. The topic was a personal one for many members, who described their own experiences in dealing with federal agencies and endangered species issues.

— by Cara Bieroth