05/05/05 Rangenet

Rangenet 2004 Well the "I hate cows and grazing" boys are at it again or should I say still. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back to share some of their bitterness. Jon Marvel, Andy Kerr, George Wuerthner, and co-horts were the main attraction at Rangenet 2004 held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Courtney White of Quivira Coalition was one of the token speakers that talked of collaboration and the value of biodiversity, but he was only there to be scoffed at and used as a springboard for speeches from the "get cattle off federal lands" bunch. These leaders of the groups to eliminate cattle grazing on federal lands don't care what new technology can be used to make grazing even more beneficial to the ground or for that matter really don't want to even hear any of the ideas. They can be shown instance after instance and proof after proof where grazing creates a greater diversity in forbs, grasses, and creates better wildlife habitat, but they aren't interested in any truth or proof they just want cattle gone and many wouldn't care if the ranchers were gone also. There are some theories as to why these people want cattle off federal lands such as control of water resources, keeping people in places they would like to see them, or the unfounded belief the land needs to heal. I think they are jealous of a lifestyle they don't have the intestinal fortitude to live, or possibly all their mothers happened to step in a fresh cow pie while they were still in the womb and these little guys could not see the humor in the situation and just became bitter toward cattle. I'm Jeff Keane. Range Spring 2005