New Mexico ranchers are asking a federal judge to block the Forest Service from fencing off riparian areas in two national forests to protect the habitat of a tiny mouse.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the requested temporary restraining order would apply to fencing in the Lincoln and Santa Fe national forests.
The request was filed by the same individual ranchers and groups which previously filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque.
The U.S. Forest Service has already closed off some areas to prevent damage to the habitat of the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse under the Endangered Species Act.
Federal wildlife managers also propose setting aside as critical habitat nearly 200 miles along streams and wetlands in parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.
Information from: The Albuquerque Journal.
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