Udall Welcomes Settlement Agreement on New Mexico MSO Litigation

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, released the following statement after the U.S. Forest Service and New Mexico conservation organizations reached an out-of-court settlement on litigation concerning the Mexican Spotted Owl:

“I commend the Forest Service, local stakeholders, and conservation organizations for coming together and finding a path forward that works for the Mexican Spotted Owl, forest restoration and local economies. . (During this process I encouraged cooperation and dialogue between the parties and I am pleased) the individuals and organizations (found) a productive path forward. New Mexicans depend on our forests for jobs, recreation and the support of essential ecosystems, and today's agreement is a win for everyone."