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		Candice Towell/RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL David Holmgren, NLSA Vice Chairman, demands the resignation of Jim Connelley as director of the Division of Livestock Identification of the Nevada Department of Agriculture, citing many violations of Nevada statutes. Holmgren met with many fellow ranchers at the Legislative Building in Carson City. Other Stories UNR reorganization imminent Kitchen fire flares out of control at Pahrump casino Senators say public lands sale could fund Red Rock project Senior citizens offered tips on safety, fraud Winnemucca student wins art competition

A group of Nevada cattle ranchers, battling authorities for their “illegal actions’’ in seizing livestock from public rangeland, demanded the resignation Tuesday of state brand inspector Jim Connelley.

In a news conference at the Legislature Building, leaders of the Nevada Live Stock Association accused Connelley of violating state law by allowing ownership of animals to be transferred.

But Acting Nevada Agriculture Department Director Don Henderson said Connelley has followed state statutes involving the contentious issue of livestock confiscation and has earned the agency’s support.

“We take every request we get very seriously. But Jim has been doing a good job,’’ Henderson said. “In each one of our impoundments (of livestock), we’ve coordinated with the governor’s office and the attorney general’s office.’’

Connelley, who operated an Elko County ranch for more than 30 years and has been brand inspector for two years, was unavailable for comment.

At issue in Nevada are high-profile cattle impoundments involving Mary and Carrie Dann, Ben Colvin, Jack Vogt, Raymond Yowell and Myron Tybo.

A number of association members are also affiliated with the Nevada Committee for Full Statehood, which doesn’t believe the federal government has any authority in managing lands within the state.

The Nevada Live Stock Association also sent a letter to Gov. Kenny Guinn asking him to take action to remove Connelley.

“He has repeatedly aided and abetted the BLM in its illegal seizures of livestock,’’ said David Holmgren, the group’s vice chairman and head of its brand committee.

Holmgren, a Mineral County rancher, said Connelley’s actions are in direct violation of state law and the Nevada Constitution that protects individuals from theft of private property. He also said there have been complaints from ranchers about other brand law violations unrelated to cattle confiscations.

Guinn’s spokesman, Greg Bortolin, said the governor also has a strong level of confidence in Connelley. Bortolin said state law is being followed carefully.

In the past, the attorney general’s office has upheld the role of the state, the BLM and the Forest Service in transferring ownership of cattle seized for trespassing citations. The state and federal agencies have a memorandum of understanding providing for such transfers.

Holmgren, a former Independent American Party candidate for governor, said the memorandum was arranged because of pressure from the agencies.

Holmgren said the association, which has grown to more than 150 members in a little over a year, intends to keep pushing state officials to follow the law. He emphasized the issue of land ownership needs to be considered separately from private property ownership.

Holmgren said the question of who owns livestock doesn’t need to be decided in the courts. He urged county sheriffs to vigorously defend individuals against theft and not allow title to livestock to be transferred if it doesn’t meet the legal test.

At least a half dozen ranchers with grazing permits have had their cattle forcibly removed and illegally transferred and sold, Holmgren said.

“The problem is becoming worse and worse. We have to draw the line against the taking of private property,’’ Holmgren said.

BLM spokeswoman Jo Simpson said seizing livestock is a legal action of last resort.

“Impounding livestock is the last thing anyone wants to do. We do everything to avoid it but sometimes run out of options,’’ Simpson said.

She said the state Agriculture Department provides assistance in identifying brands.

“It’s really unfortunate this group is targeting Jim Connelley,’’ Simpson said.

She said a tiny minority of those holding grazing permits in the state have allowed their livestock to wander onto other allotments or have been cited for other violations.

“They’re making the industry look bad. They aren’t being fair to those who follow the law,’’ Simpson said.

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