Local
Conservation groups seek pause in grazing near upper Verde River
Two conservation groups are asking a federal court to stop cattle grazing near the upper Verde River until federal agencies complete a fuller review. They say cattle from six Prescott National Forest grazing allotments are damaging habitat used by three protected species.
Two conservation groups sued the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Oct. 6 in federal court in Tucson, seeking to halt grazing near the upper Verde River while the agencies conduct a fuller review of cattle impacts on protected wildlife habitat.
The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Bird Alliance say cattle straying from six grazing allotments in the Prescott National Forest are harming riverside habitat for the western yellow-billed cuckoo, narrow-headed garter snake and spikedace, a native fish.
Biologists with the Center surveyed nearly 34 miles of river this year and found about 40% was moderately or significantly damaged by cattle, according to the groups. Their lawsuit seeks a pause in grazing in the area until the review is complete.
In a June letter cited in the lawsuit, the Forest Service acknowledged cattle sometimes reach the river. The agency said the animals are there without authorization and therefore fall outside the grazing program it is required to review.
The case is the groups’ second lawsuit over cattle along the river. A 2020 settlement required the Forest Service to monitor the area, remove stray cattle and repair fences for three years. The agreement expired in 2024.
“Neglect by Prescott National Forest officials is forcing us to go to court again to ensure they meet their duties under the Endangered Species Act,” said Chris Bugbee, a senior conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity.