"In August 2022, Karen Budd-Falen, a private attorney at the time who now serves as the third highest-ranking official at the Interior Department, sent a 53-page appeal challenging a Bureau of Land Management decision to allow a conservation nonprofit to continue grazing bison on public land in central Montana while expanding its access to new areas."
"Budd-Falen, a self-proclaimed "cowboy lawyer," filed the appeal on behalf of three pro-ranching entities: the Montana Stockgrowers Association and the North and South Phillips County Cooperative State Grazing Districts. In it, she argued that the BLM's authorization of bison grazing on the Montana allotments had violated multiple laws and regulations, including the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934, and caused "significant harm" to her clients."
"The appeal was filed with the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) - an administrative law body within the Interior Department that normally has the power to issue its own rulings. But in a rare move, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum personally intervened, overriding OHA's authority over the case."
"On December 9 last year, Burgum assumed jurisdiction over three separate appeals challenging American Prairie Reserve's federal grazing permits, including the appeal Budd-Falen filed. Shortly thereafter, Burgum directed the BLM to reconsider its decision and "take into account the arguments raised" by Budd-Falen's former clients and other appellates."
A 53-page appeal filed in August 2022 challenged a Bureau of Land Management decision allowing American Prairie Reserve to continue grazing bison on public land in central Montana while expanding access to new areas. The nonprofit aims to restore bison across thousands of acres of private and public land in the state. Ranching groups opposed the effort, arguing it threatens livestock and ranching livelihoods. The appeal was filed by Karen Budd-Falen on behalf of pro-ranching entities, asserting that the BLM authorization violated laws and regulations, including the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934, and caused significant harm. The appeal was submitted to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, but Interior Secretary Doug Burgum personally intervened, assuming jurisdiction and directing reconsideration of the permits.
#bureau-of-land-management #american-prairie-reserve #bison-grazing #montana-ranching #interior-department
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