Dear HCN,
Your recent story,
“Showdown on the Nevada Range” (HCN, 8/27/01: Showdown on the
Nevada range), was timely and objective. Whether from the extreme
left or right, I think most Nevadans are getting a bellyful of
dissident groups that peddle fear and distortion. More importantly,
individuals like Mr. Colvin jeopardize the future of grazing on
public lands by denigrating the majority of ranchers that elect to
operate in an environmentally responsible manner under the
appropriate laws, rules and regulations.
I have
known BLM State Director Bob Abbey as a close friend and colleague
for over 20 years. Bob is a straight shooter with unchallenged
integrity and a distinguished record of public service. Bob has
worked harder than any previous BLM State Director in Nevada
history to find the delicate balance between public-land grazing
and escalating environmental concerns that many Nevadans demand.
Bob has enlisted the support of ranchers, wild horse advocates,
recreation users, environmental and conservation organizations,
elected officials and other members of the public to restore and
rehabilitate Nevada rangelands, including those that have been
severely impacted by drought and catastrophic fires during the past
two years. Bob consistently seeks sensible solutions that recognize
competing interests. Many of us continue to support grazing as a
legitimate use of public lands but achieving the balance necessary
to satisfy critical concerns about preserving and protecting
vegetation, water, soil, air and endangered species can only be
accomplished with cooperation. Bob Abbey understands this better
than anyone I have ever known.
Mr. Colvin has
consistently attacked Bob Abbey and the BLM for calling him a
“trespasser” and asserts that he is a “rancher.” I have known and
worked with many ranchers over the years and, in spite of any
differences they may have with the BLM, responsible ranchers obey
the law and pay their bills. Impoundment of livestock is an action
that only takes place after many attempts to resolve the situation
in a mutually acceptable manner. Quite frankly, it is not an action
that anyone likes to take, but in spite of this fact it is
interesting to point out that the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association
did not support Mr. Colvin’s actions.
As a
conservationist, a friend of ranchers and the environmental
community, and someone willing to work with the BLM, I say let’s
stop the nonsense being spewed by a few bitter people and focus on
working together. We can insure a positive outdoor legacy for
ranchers and those that enjoy and use the vast public lands in
Nevada if we stop listening to Ben Colvin and those who disagree
that the federal government has the authority to regulate livestock
grazing on public lands.
Mike
Ford
Las Vegas, Nevada
Mike Ford is Great Basin Director for The Conservation Fund.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Responsible ranchers obey the law.
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