Associated Press
July 27, 2010

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - The Payette National Forest aims to protect wild bighorn sheep by reducing rangeland suited for domestic sheep and goat grazing by 70% by 2013.

This plan, in the works for years, protects 94% of bighorn sheep summer habitat.

Scientists and forest officials have concluded bighorns can contract deadly lung diseases when they encounter domestic sheep; ranchers fear closures will put them out of business.

The Forest Service estimates the plan will result in 28 livestock jobs lost, while recreation could increase.

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