Newhouse: FS Did Not Follow Own Protocol When Issuing Letters To NCW Ranchers

Representative Dan Newhouse says he’s working with the National Forest Service to provide clarity to ranchers in the Okanogan area that graze on the Wenatchee National Forest.  Earlier this year, Forest Service sent out letters to grazers, claiming there were problems with the grazing practices they were using, and that these ranchers were at

risk of losing their permits.  Newhouse said first off, the Forest Service did not follow its own protocol.

“They did not give adequate notice, they did not let the ranchers know when they were coming to inspect.  The letters that were sent out were sent month after the fact so there was no time, no opportunity for a follow up.”

Newhouse said this created a lot of concern in the North Central Washington ranching community.  Since then, he asked the Forest Service to retract those letters.

“To educate and be cooperative so that we can achieve the kind of environmental protections that they want to achieve, but certainly do it in a way that follows their own rules and is fair to the livestock producers in that area.”

However, the agency says it will continue to proceed according to its schedule, and will work with individual ranchers, to ensure grazing is done properly.  Newhouse said he will continue to watch  the Forest Service to ensure they keep their word and work with local ranchers.

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