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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Sen. Byron Dorgan says the Forest Service is prepared to start a new grazing management plan on western North Dakota's federal grasslands even if the two major rancher associations don't sign on to it.

The Medora and McKenzie County grazing associations had until Tuesday to make a decision.

The rancher associations administer grazing on the grasslands on behalf of the Forest Service. They collect fees, issue permits and ensure management plans are followed.

The new deals replace management agreements that expired Oct.

12. Keith Winter, president of the McKenzie County Grazing Association, said last week that his group disagreed with the Forest Service on several issues, though he declined to elaborate.

Dorgan says Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell told him the associations can appeal any differences over the new deals during the next 45 days.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-20-09 0611CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list