Ranchers May Appeal
Ruling On Grassland

PIERRE, S.D. —(AP)— Ranchers are considering appealing a decision that could reduce livestock grazing on the Fort Pierre National Grassland.

The proposed changes include increasing the amount of land that is off-limits to grazing each year, reducing the number of livestock on the land, and restricting summer grazing in wooded draws.

"This is a devastating decision for us, in my opinion," said Mike Cruse, board member of the Central South Dakota Cooperative Grazing District, a group of ranchers with permits to graze the land. "We have taken pretty severe cuts already."

Thirty-nine ranchers have permits to run their livestock on the 116,000-acre federal grassland, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Idling more of the grassland each year will benefit habitat for grouse and prairie chicken, said Tony DeToy, district manager of the grassland. Closing woody draws from June 15 to Sept. 30 will protect plants during the hot part of the year when cattle like the vegetation for shade or to rub insects off, he said.

Cruse said the grazing association was to meet Tuesday to discuss its position and a possible appeal.

The case is similar to one in North Dakota. The McKenzie County Grazing Association is considering appealing a Forest Service decision to change management practices in a small portion of the Little Missouri National Grasslands.