5 Rivers Defense Fund Fights for Grazing Rights
It’s heart breaking when your're out matched financially but as we’ve learned with the tea party movement, nothing’s impossible. In a depressed economy Central Oregon ranchers are raising funds and garnering national support to fight activists intent on forcing them off the land. Back with a way to not only help their cause but experience once in a lifetime hunting opportunities in the process. The Five Rivers Grazing Defense Fund was developed to help Central Oregon Ranchers retain their historic right to graze herds on public lands. They’ve been embroiled in a three year battle courtesy of the Endangered Species Act and Equal Access to Justice Act that allows activists to perpetuate their income through conflict. Despite a whopping 80 percent viability rating for Mid-Columbia steelhead in the John Day ranchers still face unreasonable restrictions. To date they've spent over $600,000 on lawsuits whose outcome will impact any farms or ranches where threatened or endangered species can be listed. The Five Rivers Group successfully defended themselves last year but litigation keeps coming. The final showdown is March 18th In Portland . This Saturday in John Day, they will host a prime rib dinner and auction featuring private property hunts with tags on over thousands of acres of prime habitat, fishing and artwork. If you can’t make it call your bid in! Join the fight for multiple use of public lands that includes well managed grazing. For information call Ken Holiday 541-575-1716 or kholliday@hughes.net
