Bioregional Director Shouldn’t Have A Cow Without Facts Letter Of The Week: From March 19

I read the letter about “welfare cowboys” from Russ Moritz, director of the Kaniksu Bioregional Council, with very mixed emotions.

My first emotion was outrage. How dare he lump together all cattle ranchers as being irresponsible in their care of the land? This is an insult to many second and third-generation ranchers who love and respect their land, cattle, and way of life.

Next came amusement. Mr. Moritz states that cattle drink a lot. I was relieved to read further and find that he was talking about water. In fact, I learned, they are water guzzlers that number in the millions in the arid West.

Lastly, I feel very sorry for Mr. Moritz. No doubt he has never been acquainted with ranchers who work their tails off caring for land and cattle. He has missed knowing some of the finest people who have a true understanding of what it takes to work with Mother Nature to keep the land productive and beautiful for future generations.

He states that cattle evolved in moist European woodlands. Perhaps he would be happier living there than in the arid West. Judy Pederson Cocolalla, Idaho

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