Investigation of BLM chief sought

WASHINGTON — An environmental group is asking for a federal investigation into whether Bureau of Land Management Director Kathleen Clarke broke conflict of interest laws during a dispute over grazing permits in Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

In a letter sent Monday to the Interior Department Inspector General, the Washington-based group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility charges that Clarke advised and encouraged ranchers to sue the BLM after she failed to overturn grazing permits issued by the Interior Department to an environmental organization.

Clarke is a former director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources.

In the letter, the group says that Clarke's advice is a conflict of interest and violates federal laws against favoritism or working against the interests of the U.S. government.

Clarke denies she did anything inappropriate.

Bob Johns, BLM assistant director for communications, said in a statement that Clarke had advised the Utah Cattlemen's Association of their options and told them to take whatever actions they thought necessary.

"It is Ms. Clarke's duty and obligation to deal with the many issues and constituencies involved in managing the complexities and conflicts inherent to the BLM's multiple use mission," Johns' statement reads. "Ms. Clarke has no financial connections or conflicts of interest relating to the ranching industry and acted appropriately and professionally in responding to the serious issues and questions raised by the cattlemen in this matter."

Clarke was previously cleared of accusations that she had a conflict of interest. The Inspector General cleared Clarke earlier this summer after an investigation into whether she improperly involved herself in the now-canceled San Rafael Swell land exchange, which would have benefited her home state.

PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch said testimony from a former public lands chairman of the Utah Cattlemen's Association, included in an appeal of the grazing arrangement, backs up his group's claim.