Page 19 - October 2020 WCA Ketch Pen

courts will allow them to intervene and become a party in the matter. The other parties of the case then have the ability to oppose the motion to intervene. In this matter, the motion to intervene stands unopposed. That does not mean that Diamond M will have an easy time, even as a party to the suit. WCA has reviewed the case and continues to monitor this matter. WCA
is looking at filing an amicus brief, or friend of the court brief, to support the actions of the FS in allowing livestock grazing on US Forest Service managed lands.
The second suit, The Lands Council et al v US Forest Service was filed in September 2020. This is
a 53-page complaint that is broader in nature and directly challenges the Colville National Forest
Land Management Plan and subsequent grazing authorizations. This lawsuit doesn’t just challenge
one ranch, but states that the FS is allowing excessive grazing which is “leading to long-term damage to
the forest ecosystem.” This suit states that 26% of the Colville Forest is suitable for cattle grazing, yet cattle grazing allotments cover 66% of said forest. Plaintiffs allege that the FS must adjust grazing policies to prevent overgrazing and continued damage to the forest. Again, this lawsuit has no party of interest named on behalf of the cattle industry, even though this matter directly challenges cattle grazing allotments which cover 727,726 acres of the Colville National Forest. In essence, a decision will be made with no voice for cattlemen. WCA is taking steps to rectify
that matter. Clearly a party of interest, or intervenor,
must sit at the table, must be part of the discussions surrounding this lawsuit, and an outcome that will impact grazing allotments in Washington. This is a very new case, but is being taken very seriously. WCA has intervened before in matters, and will take steps necessary to preserve and protect WCA members’ interest and the cattle industry.
As fall starts to overtake us, before we all sit down and focus on weaning, winter planning, and hopefully a better 2021, please keep in mind that WCA will
still be having a meeting this November. Please attend. Yes, it looks different as it will be virtual, but the information, interactions, and presence of our membership is what keeps this association alive and strong. WCA must thrive to allow us to stand up for what is right and keep our Washington cattle industry moving forward. It will be disappointing not to see everyone face-to-face, as that is one of the highlights of my year, but we still must vote on matters and
need membership to be informed of what is going on within our organization. Let’s have a great turnout for WCA 2020 Convention and plan for an even better one in 2021!