Healthy ecosystems depend on plant and animal species as their foundations. When a species becomes endangered, it is a sign that the ecosystem is slowly falling apart.

Each species that is lost triggers the loss of other species within its ecosystem. Humans depend on healthy ecosystems to purify our environment. The fact that we are allowing these iconic animals to die so a few can profit is unconscionable.

The Bureau of Land Management and federal agencies are well aware that Bighorn sheep populations are in danger because of the close proximity of domestic sheep populations that are grazing in their natural habitat.

Yet, they refuse to curb the practice and continue to allow domestic sheep in these areas. It is time to stop putting profit over the health of our public lands and the wild animals that inhabit these landscapes.

Louise van Vonno

Durango