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ONCE AGAIN, the practice of grazing on public lands is defended by the need to protect the livelihood of ranchers, most especially those whose families have been wreaking havoc on public lands for “five, going on six, generations.” The Journal article, “Of Mice and Men,” July 8, questions the value of protecting an endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse because the decades-old practice of public lands ranching may be affected. The article fails to address the well-documented negative impacts of public lands grazing in the West, and only grudgingly acknowledges that one little mouse species is in fact an indicator that our practices have had lasting, devastating consequences.

The justification that public lands grazing should continue – and continue with no changes despite the environmental impacts – to preserve traditional lifestyles is an idea whose time has passed.

We, as a society, feel no parallel need to protect other jobs that are no longer relevant or needed. We no longer support telephone operators or gas station attendants. Let’s drop the “cowboy mystique” and present a thoughtful, honest look at the cost of public lands grazing.

M.J. DAVIS

Albuquerque

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