To the Editor:

Concerning the article about the sage grouse, there is little doubt in my mind that sage grouse are having a hard time for a multitude of reasons, all real and legitimate. I believe the increase of predators (including cats and dogs), has far more to do with sage grouse decline than most human-caused issues.

The real reason for the studies and potential for endangered listings by government agencies is for one reason: To “lock you out.”

The sage grouse is only a convenient, expendable pawn (like spotted owls, horny toads, and leapin’ lizards).

This is part of the federal agenda (in concert with the United Nations) of restricting or denying access to public lands, and as part of that agenda, using lower participation numbers to restrict more access, i.e. hunting, fishing, etc. Can you say vicious circle?

For a long time now, the U.S. Forest Service has had a “lock ’em out” policy. It appears that the BLM is now playing catch-up.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife either may be a willing participant in this, or is involved through monetary extortion by the feds. I don’t know which.

No matter what else happens, one thing you will see soon is more and more access of all kinds denied to the general public.

I do not have any hope that even a complete housecleaning of the Presidency and the U.S. Congress will have much effect on this situation.

Agencies are staffed with career bureaucrats far more interested in their retirements than in making decisions that would benefit anything.

Norm Benson

Fraser