Conservation groups appeal Missouri Breaks ruling

HELENA (AP) — Conservation groups are appealing a federal judge's decision to throw out their challenge to the Bureau of Land Management's plan for the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

Three groups totaling six plaintiffs filed appeals on Monday. They are asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to agree with their argument that the BLM management plan does not go far enough to protect the 590-square-mile monument, created in 2001 by President Bill Clinton.

The conservation groups argue the plan is insufficient against natural-gas development and cattle grazing near the river, and that it did not close enough roads or airstrips.

In August, a federal judge dismissed the groups' lawsuit, saying the plan strikes the right balance between protection and recreation.