Environmental groups are challenging cattle grazing along Arizona’s Gila River, claiming the practice is damaging endangered species habitat.
The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon Society are targeting seven grazing allotments that cover about 15 miles downstream of Coolidge Dam. The groups want the Bureau of Land Management and Fish and Wildlife Service to consult under the Endangered Species Act and take action to protect habitat of the Southwestern willow flycatcher and Western yellow-billed cuckoo from livestock.
“Field surveys conducted by the center in recent years have documented chronic and severe damage from unlawful livestock grazing to endangered species habitat,” according to a press release from the groups.
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In addition to actions to protect the species along the middle Gila, the lawsuit asks the a court to order BLM to “develop a program for the conservation of endangered and threatened species” affected by its grazing program.
The lawsuit was filed in Arizona.
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