Additionally, Defenders recently filed a request with the U.S. Attorney in Arizona for prosecution of violations of the Unlawful Enclosures Act on BLM land. In addition, BLM fences limit pronghorn movements and are in direct violation of the agency's own fencing standards. In addition, FWS also has failed to take the necessary steps to conserve, protect, and recover the Sonoran pronghorn throughout its range, including the consideration of cumulative impacts on the species of the many activities that occur in this area. Now is the time for the FWS to step up to the plate. While FWS ignored the NPS request, multi-agency consultation is being used in other regions to address other endangered species across the country.
Defenders contends that the pronghorn's dire situation deserves similar consideration.
We believe that this type of consultation will ensure that all impacts are assessed cumulatively and will result in realistic protection measures for the Sonoran pronghorn and its desert habitat. Copies of the complaint, the request for BLM prosecution, information on the Barry M. Goldwater Range Renewal, and pictures of the elusive pronghorn are available upon request.