Idaho Environmental Group Want Trespassing Case Dismissed

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — An Idaho-based environmental group is seeking to have a lawsuit filed by Wyoming ranchers and landowners dismissed.

The motion by Western Watersheds Project contends the ranchers and landowners failed to substantiate their claims.

The lawsuit filed in state court cites about two dozen instances dating back to 2005 in which employees and volunteers with Western Watersheds ignored direct instructions or posted signs warning them not to trespass on private land in Fremont and Lincoln counties.

But Western Watersheds, which is based in Hailey, Idaho, says the lawsuit provides no concrete evidence of trespass, ignores established public rights of way and fails to demonstrate any actual damage.

Western Watersheds has challenged grazing practices and permits on federal lands in the court system.