<p>To the Director of the Bureau of Land Management:</p><p>The Bureau of Land Management exists in order "to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations." That, unfortunately, is not what is taking place in the western United States due to the ongoing practice of livestock grazing on federal lands.</p><p>Native species of animals are being killed by the tens of thousands every year in order to protect privately owned livestock on public lands, despite the known risks that come with livestock husbandry in the wild. In 2016, once-endangered wolves were killed in Washington state for attacking livestock that ranchers let graze on federal land that is known to be wolf territory. Other species of animals being killed in the interest of livestock production with the use of federal land include bears, foxes, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Wildlife should not suffer and be slaughtered in their natural habitat to make way for cattle and livestock.</p><p>Grazing on public lands is cheaper than purchasing feed or grazing on private land, which is why the practice continues to this day. While cattle grazing on the open range may have once been necessary a century ago, it is now a threat to the beautiful landscapes, the natural plant life, the precious water supplies, and the native — and sometimes endangered — wildlife. The native land and its wildlife must come first before the priorities of livestock profits.</p><p>There are inherent risks that come with any type of farming, especially husbandry, and ranchers must assume the risks that go with having cattle in or near wolf and bear territory. To kill off wolves because they attack cattle while in their own territory, on public land, goes against both reason and sound conservation. These animals which are on the endangered species list or have just recently come back from the brink of being endangered must not be slaughtered and brought to extinction.</p><p>A ban of livestock grazing on federal lands would preserve the land and protect its wildlife for our future generations to have, admire, and enjoy. The open range of the western United States is far too valuable to be destroyed at the cost of livestock production which could more properly be managed on private land. The Sierra Club and many other organizations have for some time now called for an end to livestock grazing on public land, and that time is now.</p><p>Director, you and the Bureau of Land Management can protect our beautiful western range and stop the killing of wildlife by banning the use of federal land for livestock grazing. Privately owned livestock should graze and be fed on private land, not public land. Please put an end to grazing permits and grazing rights on public land as a whole, thereby preserving the land and stop the killing of wolves and other animals in their own habitat.</p><p>Sincerely,</p>