11/28/07 Sheep grazing issues

Sheep grazing north of Ketchum can proceed under recently revised draft Environmental Impact Statement released by the Sawtooth National Forest. Nearly two years ago US District Court Judge Lynn Winmill rejected the proposed management plan on four grazing allotments covering more than 147 thousand acres. But Judge Winmill has denied another sheep rancher's request to allow grazing along the Salmon River amid concerns that the domestic flock might transmit fatal diseases to wild bighorn sheep. The federal judge acknowledged that there is no proof that domestic sheep transmit respiratory disease to wild bighorn herds. Outside the courtroom there are some grazing issues on Capitol Hill that the Idaho sheep industry wants to see incorporated into the new farm bill. Weiser producer Margaret Soulen Hinson wants to see targeted grazing approval on CRP ground. SOULEN HINSON "Where you're using grazing for the control of noxious weeds, invasive species, fuel breaks for fire control and what not. Those type of things are using very natural environmentally sound practice for control of those things." Both the House and Senate farm bill versions include target grazing on CRP land. She says it also would provide another potential revenue stream for the industry. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott