Grazing decision withdrawn

by Cat Urbigkit

Bridger-Teton National Forest Pinedale District Ranger Craig Trulock issued a statement last week withdrawing his Sept. 30, 2004 Record of Decision for the Upper Green River Area Rangeland Project, which authorized continued cattle grazing in the Upper Green.

"I have withdrawn this decision based on issues raised in our appeals process that I believe need further consideration before issuing a final decision," Trulock wrote. "My intent is to complete a review of the issues and if needed, document any additional analysis in a supplemental environmental impact statement for public comment, and reissue a new record of decision."

In an interview earlier this week, Trulock noted that the withdrawal of the decision had nothing to do with the merits of the grazing project itself, but is part of a larger forest-wide effort. Trulock said the withdrawal isn't an acknowledgment of a flaw in the Upper Green decision.

Other Bridger-Teton decisions have been withdrawn as well. The key issue is the agency needs to conduct forest-wide planning for management indicator species and some species not identified in other planning efforts, Trulock said.