"The fact that the Burns Paiute and Bannock Shoshone tribes are still battling our government and politicians for protection of the sagebrush steppe habitat and our native sage grouse isn't spiritually uplifting."
"The tribes are correct to see cattle as an invasive species, as is the annual cheatgrass those cattle bring to the range."
"Overgrazing, however, is an inappropriate term to use, as it implies that some form or level of herbivory is benign or even beneficial to the natural environment of our public lands."
"Former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt concluded 20 years ago that 'grazing, not overgrazing' is the most destructive activity people engage in."
Cattle grazing has a detrimental effect on sagebrush habitats, leading to ongoing conflicts between Native American tribes and government entities. The Burns Paiute and Bannock Shoshone tribes view cattle as an invasive species that disrupts the ecosystem. The term 'overgrazing' is criticized as misleading, suggesting that some grazing is acceptable, while other forms of environmental degradation do not receive similar terminology. The historical context of these battles dates back to the late 1800s, highlighting a long-standing struggle for environmental justice.
Read at High Country News
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