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
Oh, it just hit me. The EPA is stealing people’s land if there is water on it to gain all water rights across america…even if it is a puddle, pond, drainage ditch, etc.they r over reaching their authority and changed with no one’s knowledge the clean water act to include collection of water which means they steal your land UNLESS they get complaints as of Aug 1st or this takes effect Sept 1 and they will use drones and satellite to steal your property…get on the phone every day…the number of phone calls all count in their numbers of complaints…
Talk about “over-kill”!!! Seeing the grazing times are limited, I don’t see how this is endangering the Jumping Mouse! Just another outrageous excuse to “SEIZE” the land!!! This has to stop or more land will be taken from hard-working American!!!
They r using what is known as the or well Ian power where the object of power is power which is an illuminist behavior and doing it right in front of our face…call, call …white house #202 456 1111
202 456 6213
Also EPA has now been charged with destroying their hard drives. So call again and again…tell them no way can they pass this law..
bullcrap, they are going to build underground tunnels for those tax dodging grey aliens to sneak around ha ha ha 🙂
Orwellian power, his theory , power is not a means, it’s an end…dark minds in power always strive to build sinister devices designed to enable them to control
This gov’t. has totally lost their minds! Something needs done now!
Since when are mice EVER endangered? A jumping mouse at that!
EPA redefined rules surrounding navigation water to give them absolute power on your property…we must not let them infringe on our rights to our property by this out of control criminal gov…call reps and white house…give clear voice. ..also tell them to arrest obamass…he is an illegal, not a US citizen because he was born in africa and his daddy was born in africa also which according to our US constitution made him ineligible for running for pres
I really doubt there is no endangered mouse. They’re full of $#%&!@*. If I’m wrong, who cares.
F**k Obama and the corrupt government!!! They all stink like dog $#%&!@*.