Feds block cattle from water source

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A standoff between Otero County and the U.S. Forest Service has begun after the federal agency put up fences that have kept cattle away from a water source, angering ranchers.

The Forest Service denied a County Commission request that several gates be unlocked to let cattle through, according to the Alamogordo Daily News.

The local forest supervisor, Travis Moseley, told the commission the service is on sound legal footing and within our jurisdiction to put up the fences, which protect a river area known as Agua Chiquita.

The commissioners on Monday instructed the Otero County sheriff to unlock the gates and said they would pursue a court order, according to the Daily News.

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., has staff on site, monitoring the situation, according to a spokeswoman for the congressman.

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Feds block cattle from water source