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Cows versus trout in the Eastern Sierra

Inyo National Forest administrator Margaret Wood travels by horseback to view grazing land as her horse drinks from Bullfrog Creek, where California golden trout are found. The right of ranchers to continue running cattle in the area is dependent on the outcome of a dispute over how best to protect the besieged trout, which is the official state fish. See full story

Inyo National Forest administrator Margaret Wood travels by horseback to view grazing land as her horse drinks from Bullfrog Creek, where California golden trout are found. The right of ranchers to continue running cattle in the area is dependent on the outcome of a dispute over how best to protect the besieged trout, which is the official state fish.
See full story  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

From a cattle family

After viewing several golden trout in Bullfrog Creek, third-generation rancher John Hunter walks through Mulkey Meadows while his cattle graze nearby. “My grandfather began running cattle in these meadows in 1906,” says Hunter, 47. “My outfit depends on grazing up here.”
See full story   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Shelter from a storm

Hunter takes a break under a pine tree during a hailstorm. “Nobody understands these meadowlands better than we do,” he said. “And these days, we’re using grazing strategies that are less intensive and promote better range stewardship.”
See full story  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A besieged fish

The California golden trout has bright yellow sides, a scarlet belly and burnt orange fins. The fish -- a candidate for listing as an endangered species -- faces a variety of threats, including livestock grazing.
See full story  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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A tough decision ahead

As a thunderstorm approaches, Inyo National Forest administrator Margaret Wood guides her horse across Bullfrog Creek. “Land management issues are never simple, and this one is going to be long, complicated and controversial,” she said.
See full story  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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