The Lucero family has grazed livestock near Fenton Lake in the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico for more than a century.
The feds now plan to fence out this family from this land for an endangered mouse – the meadow jumping mouse – which has now been listed as an endangered species.
The federal government has successfully used the ‘endangered species’ excuse to seize land for decades.
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST, N.M. — For more than a century, the Lucero family has grazed livestock in the majestic landscape near Fenton Lake in the Santa Fe National Forest. They started with sheep and, in the 1920s, switched to cattle.
But that may all come to an end because of an endangered mouse.
“You’re taking a lot of heritage away,” said Mike Lucero, as he looks over the creek that cuts through the meadow. He was accompanied by his brother Manuel and cousin Orlando, who have brought their family’s cattle to this spot since they were children.
Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the meadow jumping mouse as an endangered species. Now, the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees the Santa Fe National Forest, is considering erecting a series of 8-foot high fences to protect the mouse’s habitat.
THE MOUSE IN QUESTION: The meadow jumping mouse has recently been listed under the Endangered Species Act.
The Luceros, members of the San Diego Cattleman’s Association and holders of grazing permits with the federal government, say the fences will lock out their cattle — as well as those of other permit holders — from ever returning to the meadow where the livestock graze for 20 days in the spring and up to 40 days in the fall.
“We’re not insensitive to protecting the mouse,” Orlando Lucero said. “But let’s work on something that keeps everyone’s interests in mind.”
Forest Service officials in Albuquerque say no final decision has been made but, at the same time, they are required by law to comply with the Endangered Species Act. Since the meadow jumping mouse is now listed as endangered, the Forest Service is bound to take steps to protect its habitat.
Grazing was listed as one of the “a primary threats” to the mouse, said Robert Trujillo, the acting director of Wildlife, Fish and Rare Plants for the Southwest Region of the U.S. Forest Service.
“It’s been our experience that a fence like that to protect that occupied habitat seems to be the best way we can do our affirmative duty and protect that habitat,” Trujillo said.
But the Luceros say putting up a fence is an example of federal government overkill.
“At first, they were talking about a 300-yard fence on eight feet of either side (of the Rio Cebolla, a creek that feeds the meadow),” Manuel Lucero said. “But you look at the (Forest Service) map now and it goes on for three and a half miles – and that’s just for this allotment.”
Source: watchdog.org
Photo: Rob Nikolewski
smart politicians should have been put on the endangered list many years ago now it is to late but we as american citizans should keep an eye on this land should make sure rats dont takeover this land once fenced in, and what I mean by that is injunctions should be filed to prevent military personal from training on this land which is the real reason for thiis deception. It will become a training camp for nato forces on how to invade america towns and cities to confiscate guns.
What the $#%&!@* is the feds trying to do someone needs to shoot the land grabbing Bastards that would solve a lot of problems ,but first must shoot Obama ,if you think I am crazy you are wrong ,I am very pissed because what our own government is doing to us and our country
leave these people alone, your just getting out of hand wanting to take away everything from everybody, like that is so wrong.
this is justs crazy
They are going to STEAL LAND from a family for a MOUSE? They put a stupid MOUSE on the “endangered list” so it won’t get hurt while AT THE SAME TIME ARE SLAUGHTERING INNOCENT BABIES BY ABORTION. Some how, to an INTELLIGENT person, this doesn’t make a bit of sense.
Gov’t is too big for its britches!
bust a bundy
Here we go again
Those mice have lived with cattle for centuries and doing fine. Fencing might upset their natural roaming instincts! I VOTE FOR CATTLE!!!!
uh oh here we go again–another Bundy type fiasco in the making!