Conservationists Sound Alarm: Cattle Grazing Erodes Arizona’s Riverbank Ecosystems

Conservationists have accused the federal government of failing to prevent cattle grazing in sensitive riparian habitats, in a lawsuit filed Thursday.

The Center for Biological Diversity has taken legal action against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the Fish and Wildlife Service, asserting that months of escalating environmental harm have gone unaddressed along western Arizona’s Big Sandy River due to rampant cattle grazing.

Under the Endangered Species Act, federal agencies are required to collaborate and produce biological opinions that certify minimal impact on endangered or threatened species before opening specific land allotments to grazing. The lawsuit focuses on three allotments—Artillery Range, Greenwood Community, and Greenwood Peak—permitted for grazing since 1995.

However, recent changes in species classification have altered the landscape. The endangered southwestern willow flycatcher, the threatened western yellow-billed cuckoo, and the northern Mexican garter snake are now on the list. According to the Center, grazing has critically affected their habitats.

Chris Bugbee, a Southwest advocate for the Center, claims to have observed severe damage in six of the seven river miles surveyed. He points to flattened riverbanks, contaminated water, and destroyed streamside vegetation. While some damage is attributed to wild burros, the primary concern remains cattle.

Despite notifying both agencies in December about their findings, the Center received no response. This lawsuit is one among many the Center has initiated against federal environmental agencies, particularly targeting the detrimental effects of cattle grazing on endangered species.

“The Bureau of Land Management’s failure to control illegal livestock grazing is systematically destroying riparian habitats, pushing species to the brink of extinction,” said Bugbee. “This lawsuit seeks to compel federal agencies to act and save the Big Sandy River ecosystem.”

The Big Sandy River is crucial to Arizona’s environmental health, connecting the Santa Maria and Arrastra mountains to form the Bill Williams River. Such riparian zones, although less than 1% of state land, are vital for nearly 75% of Arizona’s species.

The Center for Biological Diversity accuses the agencies of violating the Endangered Species Act by not reassessing the impacts of grazing on newly listed species. It further claims that the Bureau of Land Management renewed 10-year grazing permits without proper consultation with Fish and Wildlife.

Furthermore, the Center argues that even if consultations have started, agencies have not acted swiftly enough, allowing continued cattle grazing in the affected allotments during the process.

Both agencies have yet to respond to requests for comment.