Radanovich Backs Bill for Ranchers Grazing Rights

Congressman George Radanovich and others have introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that he says will keep Sierra Nevada ranchers from being kicked off of public lands.

The Mariposa Republican says that under the recently adopted Sierra Nevada Framework, many ranchers would not be issued permits for grazing. “Even though it (the framework) has been adopted, we still need to look at it and modify it so that it does work for land use friendly activities like cattle and timber harvesting,” the Mariposa Republican said.

Under Radanovich´s bill, he says the ranchers would be issued grazing permits for the 2003 feed season, while lawmakers consider changes to the Sierra Nevada Framework.

The denial of the permits is part of a plan that some say would protect the Yosemite Toad and the Willow Flycatcher.