Red Cliffs Conservation Area Mtg

There is a proposal to build a highway through the Red Cliffs Conservation Area north of St. George, Utah. The area is prime gabitat for the endangered desert tortoise and was set aside decades ago to preserve the natural beauty of the area. 

Now, as the city has grown, development interests are threatening the area. There is a Congressional Field Meeting in Hurricane tomorrow, Aoril 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

Anyone and everyone opposed to the highway is being asked to attend the meeting which was organized by a Republican senator opposed to public lands. You can read the details and location information in the link to Conserve Southwest's newsletter below.

https://mailchi.mp/conserveswu.org/april_field_hearing?e=b6ee4c4527

Arizona's Tonto Ntl Forest

Advocates for the West won a significant victory in defense of a pristine corner of Arizona’s Tonto National Forest just below the scenic Mogollon Rim.


The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Forest Service made “serious errors” in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in approving a plan to expand grazing on the Tonto National Forest’s Bar X allotment—including opening pastures that had been closed to grazing for nearly 40 years, which surround the communities of Colcord and Ponderosa.

“Nestled in ponderosa pine forests, this area is beloved by hikers, anglers, and other recreationists for its scenic beauty, and by local residents as a quiet place to enjoy nature,” said Andrew MisselStaff Attorney at Advocates for the West. “I’m heartened that the Court recognized the Forest Service’s shoddy analysis and harm grazing could pose to our cherished public lands.”

Read all about it here.


Read about more of their successes in the 14.Dec.2023 newsletter here.





Advocates' Webinar(s)

On Wednesday, 25.Okt, I attended  Advocates for the West’s Voices for the West webinar titled, Pillars of Conservation: Advocacy, Litigation, and Public Education.


It's always inspiring to see the committment and energy of these folks.



This meeting included Mark Salvo from Oregon Natural Desert Association and Advocates' senior attorney, Todd Tucci.


A recording of the webinar can be accessed on Advocates' YouTube Channel, along with previous Voices for the West programs.

It's hoped you'll share this latest program with your friends, family, and whomever you think might appreciate their work.

If you're interested in supporting the groups involved in this week’s webinar, you can find more information at the following links: 

Advocates for the West

Oregon Natural Desert Association

Also, the October 2022 Voices for the West webinar focused on the study "Livestock Use on Public Lands in the Western USA Exacerbates Climate Change: Implications for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation" with co-author Marc Liverman, and which was referenced during last night's program, can be found here

Thanks again for joining us! We look forward to seeing you at our next Voices for the West webinar in December. For details on upcoming events, or to receive updates on our work, you may sign up here

With heart for the West,

-Will


Will Shoemaker | he/him/his
Communications & Engagement Director
Advocates for the West
O: 208.801.7523
C: 970.275.2227


BLM Grants Grazing Leases illegally

https://advocateswest.org/demanding-that-blm-step-up-range-health-protections/


Advocates for the West filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for its failure to abide by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act to determine the prioritization and timing of environmental analyses for livestock grazing allotments on public lands. This has resulted in widespread delinquency in assessing environmental conditions and addressing resource damage caused by overgrazing across vast stretches of the American West.

Advocates for the West is representing Western Watersheds Project and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) in the case.


READ THE FULL STORY HERE or in the link at the top.

10-week Paid Internships

Summer 2024 Boise, ID & Portland, OR

Advocates for the West seeks two highly qualified and motivated summer law clerks to work closely with our attorneys on our busy docket of environmental litigation during summer 2024.

About Advocates for the WestAdvocates for the West is a leading non-profit public interest environmental law firm that represents conservation groups, Native American Tribes, and concerned citizens, primarily in federal court. During the last 20 years, Advocates for the West has established a successful track record using law and science to protect public lands, fish and wildlife, and clean air and water across the American West.

Position Description: Summer law clerks conduct legal and factual research, provide litigation and pre-litigation support, and draft legal documents, all under the supervision of one or more of our eight attorneys. Law clerks typically have the opportunity to research and write a notice of intent to sue, complaint, and/or a brief, in addition to legal memos. Law clerks work closely with client partners, join in field visits, and attend court proceedings. Law clerks actively participate in our staff meetings, board meetings, public outreach events, and other essential aspects of our work. We also provide weekly seminars and other events for summer law clerks to get to know each other, our attorneys, and other attorneys and conservationists.

Qualifications: Law students who will complete their 2L year by Summer 2024 are eligible to apply. Applicants with strong research and writing skills and a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection are preferred. We value diversity and encourage students from communities underrepresented in environmental law to apply.



https://advocateswest.org/law-clerks-interns/

Red Cliffs Conservation Area Mtg

T here is a proposal to build a highway through the Red Cliffs Conservation Area north of St. George, Utah. The area is prime gabitat for th...