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November 29, 2009

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Ruling blocks BLM actions in fight over hot spring

Friday, Aug. 21, 1998 | 10:48 a.m.

A federal administrative court has stopped any Bureau of Land Management actions against a hot spring considered sacred by the Western Shoshone tribe in Crescent Valley.

The Interior Board of Land Appeals curbed any fines or other penalties against the Dann Ranch, operated by Shoshone sisters Mary and Carrie Dann where the spring is located.

Both the Western Shoshone and the federal government claim the lands in question. The board's decision referred to the cultural and ceremonial values at stake in the land conflict as well as potential economic damage.

"I doubt that the Western Shoshone can get justice from any U.S. court," Carrie Dann said. "But at least we can breathe a little easier now that the BLM cannot come in at any time and destroy our livelihood and way of life."

Since October 1987, the BLM has pressured Western Shoshone who graze livestock on their traditional lands.

In response, the Organization of American States' Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has requested that the federal government wait until the commission can independently study the issues.

The U.S. State Department also has asked the BLM to consider foreign policy implications, since Indian tribes are considered sovereign nations.

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