Conservation Group Strikes Unprecedented Deal to Protect Native Bighorn Herd in Colorado
The National Wildlife Federation has reached an agreement with the Etchart Sheep Ranch in Colorado to preserve over 100,000 acres of land for the state's native bighorn sheep herd.
The deal, announced on November 8th, will not only benefit the endangered bighorns, but also showcase the power of collaboration and compromise within conflicting interests.
According to National Wildlife Federation spokesperson Cait Fallon, this deal is the largest of its kind, encompassing 10 high-elevation allotments and spanning over 100,000 acres in the San Juan mountain range near Silverton. These areas are known to be vital for the state's Tier 1 bighorn sheep herd, which has seen a significant decline in population due to respiratory illness contracted from domestic sheep.
The details of the financial agreement between the Etchart family and the conservation group were not disclosed, but the impact of this deal is immeasurable.
The bighorn sheep, known for their intense head-butting displays, have been struggling due to a historical conflict between ranchers and conservationists. This deal not only addresses this issue, but also serves as an example of the importance of preserving native species in the state.
Ernie Etchart, owner of the ranch, admits he initially had some reservations about the deal but ultimately decided to put the well-being of the bighorn sheep above his own business interests.
Terry Meyers, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, stated that disease transmission from domestic sheep has been a major contributor to the decline of the bighorn population in the San Juan region. This is a known fact backed by evidence and research, and this deal will go a long way in protecting the herd from further decline.
The Etchart family, who have been raising sheep in the area for over 70 years, will have to give up their grazing rights on 10 allotments. The family will still maintain rights to other areas closer to their ranch.
Despite agreement, there is still work to be done on the federal level.
Meyers expressed his disappointment in the lack of action taken by federal land management agencies to protect bighorn herds. He believes that settling conflicts should not fall on the shoulders of non-governmental organizations, but rather the responsibility of the federal government.
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Colorado's bighorn population is estimated to be about 10 percent of its historical size, with only 18 herds retaining their native bloodlines. This is a concerning statistic, but there is hope for the future thanks to efforts like this one made by the National Wildlife Federation and the Etchart family.
Kudos to the National Wildlife Federation and the Etchart family for this historic deal that will benefit Colorado for generation.