HELENA, Mont. (October 14, 2022) – The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) along with the North and South Phillips County Grazing Districts, Office of the Governor, and Montana Attorney General were denied their petitions for stay by the Office of Hearings and Appeals on Thursday. In August, the aforementioned groups filed appeals on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision regarding American Prairie’s grazing allotments and petitioned for a stay on this decision.
“We are disappointed in this decision as we believe it is important that bison remain off the allotments until the appeal can be heard. We know this process is a marathon and not a sprint and this hurdle will not stop us and our partners from continuing to fight for Montana ranchers who graze livestock on public land,” said Jim Steinbeisser, MSGA President.
The MSGA Advocacy Fund allows for a collective voice for cattle ranchers advocating for change and accountability at the state and federal levels. MSGA’s Advocacy Fund supports issues like promoting the benefits of cattle grazing, protecting cattle grazing on public lands, and holding state and federal agencies accountable. Donations can be made at www.protectopenspaces.com.
“We are asking everyone who is concerned about BLM’s favorable decision towards the APR and who is passionate about public land grazing, holding federal agencies accountable, and protecting and conserving Montana’s iconic open spaces to please consider donating to our advocacy fund,” asked Steinbeisser.
Earlier this month, MSGA and North and South Phillips County Grazing Districts were successful in their request to deny Western Watersheds Project’s motion to intervene on the appeal.
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MSGA
Who was the judge than denied the request? From 13th District?