N.M. ranchers and the U.S. Forest Service clash over water restrictions

Two New Mexico lawmakers are hoping conversations with ranchers will convince the U.S. Forest Service to rethink federal water restrictions.

The Artesia Daily Press reports (http://bit.ly/29plodu) that U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce and state Rep. Jim Townsend met with Forest Service representatives and ranchers in Cloudcroft this week about water access and its impact on the economy.

Both are supporting ranchers in an ongoing dispute over water restrictions on national forest lands.

Townsend says the issue reached a “tipping point” with recent closures of portions of Lincoln National Forest to protect the habitat of the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.

The U.S. Forest Service has repeatedly defended its actions, saying it has responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act.

But agency officials say they will try to compromise with ranchers.