The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to reopen four closed allotments on the wild and scenic Eastern Sierra slope to cattle use. The “Bridgeport Southwest Rangeland Project” will imperil the land’s recovery that has been occurring for decades since the allotments were closed to sheep use, and endanger the habitats that have been thriving since the removal of domestic livestock.
The area is a biodiversity hotspot, with three federally endangered species present: Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, Yosemite toad, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, as well as the Bi-State sage-grouse which is proposed for listing as federally threatened. Pacific fishers, rare Sierra Nevada red foxes, pikas, bald eagles, and Lahontan cutthroat trout also inhabit the area. There are wildflower fields, lush green meadows and groves of whitebark pine and aspen. We need more places like this, not fewer.
The mountain is also popular for recreation, such as camping, hiking, wildflower-viewing, fishing, and gives access to the Virginia Lakes area and to the high Sierra Crest and Yosemite National Park backcountry. The proposal would allow cattle to graze in Hoover Wilderness Area, where no livestock roam at present.
The public comment deadline is August 5, 2019.
Let the Humboldt-Toyaibe National Forest know what you think about this proposed action, and tell them you want to keep these allotments closed and managed for the values of recreation and wildlife.
Electronic comments may be sent to: comments-intermtn-humboldt-toiyabe-bridgeport@fs.fed.us.
or submitted electronically using the comment form found online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=49993
Written comments can also be submitted to: Jan Cutts, District Ranger, Bridgeport Ranger District, HC 62 Box 1000, Bridgeport, CA, 93517.
For more information, contact WWP’s California Director, Laura Cunningham at lcunningham@westernwatersheds.org |