The U.S. Forest Service is considering changing its domestic sheep grazing management plan to once again allow domestic and wild sheep to mingle in the Bridger-Teton National Forest of the Wyoming Range. Obviously this consideration is stirring up a lot of controversy as wild sheep do not do well around their domestic cousins due to susceptibility to pathogens such as pneumonia, which is prevalent in domestic herds. But can a balance be struck between the interests of wild sheep in the Wyoming Range and the needs of domestic producers?
The bighorns of the Wyoming Range have come and gone since the 1960s but recently have been faring quite well. Could that change with the “restocking” of domestic sheep? Most likely but the Wyoming Range wild sheep herd is considered to be “non-empahsis” status by the state of Wyoming and therefore they fall into a less protected category than their brethren to the north.
If you’re interested in expressing your concern or sharing your thoughts, the Bridger-Teton National Forest is seeking public comment on this issue before June 7th.
Contact information
Phone #307-739-5500 (Office Hours: M-F, 8:00am-4:30pm)
Contact Form Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/btnf/about-forest/contactus
For a more detailed description of this issue visit:
https://www.wyofile.com/forest-service-moves-to-weaken-bighorn-protections-in-wyo-range/
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