NM ranchers sue over changes in wolf program

By SUE MAJOR HOLMES / Associated Press Writer

ALBUQUERQUE – Ranching groups and two southern New Mexico counties are suing over a program that’s reintroducing Mexican gray wolves into the wild in New Mexico and Arizona.

Their lawsuit alleges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Department of Game and Fish have violated federal law by altering program rules without a new environmental review.

The lawsuit asks a federal judge to stop the changes until the agencies comply with the law.

It was filed by Americans for the Preservation of the Western Environment, the Adobe and Beaverhead ranches, rancher Alan Tackman, the Gila National Forest Livestock Permittees’ Association, and the Otero and Catron county commissions.

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NM ranchers sue over changes in wolf program

By: SUE MAJOR HOLMES, Associated Press Writer

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Ranching groups and two southern New Mexico counties are suing over a program that’s reintroducing Mexican gray wolves into the wild in New Mexico and Arizona.

Their lawsuit alleges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Department of Game and Fish have violated federal law by altering program rules without a new environmental review.

The lawsuit asks a federal judge to stop the changes until the agencies comply with the law.

It was filed by Americans for the Preservation of the Western Environment, the Adobe and Beaverhead ranches; rancher Alan Tackman; the Gila National Forest Livestock Permittees’ Association, and the Otero and Catron county commissions.

Their attorney, Daniel Bryant, says people in the wolf release area haven’t had an adequate voice.

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