Nov. 19, 2003 - Endangered Species Act Impacts Cattle Producers

Suggested Lead:

The Endangered Species Act has had a dramatic impact on those who live on the land.  Mike Byrne, a California cattle producer and vice chairman of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Policy Division, has been actively involved in this issue.  He says one of the issues NCBA is working on is the potential listing by the ESA of the Sage Grouse, and the fact that leaving nature unmanaged may not be in the bird’s best interests.       

Cut #1    :18       Outcue: "...as it used to be."

According to Byrne, NCBA is also keeping an eye on other animals. 

Cut #2    :23       Outcue: "...they were thought."

Byrne says NCBA has an advantage when it comes to speaking out in Washington, D.C.

Cut #3    :26       Outcue: "...we can’t live with."

The organization also sees itself as a fair and reasonable organization.

Cut #4    :14       Outcue: "...at the same time."

Byrne was very active in working with NCBA in Washington to help get good, sound science utilized over the past year for the Klamath Basin issue near the Oregon/California border.