TOPPENISH -- A group opposed to any new dairies or feedlots on the Yakama reservation is inviting tribal members to a meeting explaining the impacts of such operations on communities.

The 5:30 p.m. Thursday meeting will be held in the Eagle Seelatsee Auditorium at the Yakama agency at 401 Fort Road.

The group is opposed to a Sunnyside dairy operator's plans to erect another dairy on Pumphouse Road south of Harrah near wetlands and a national wildlife refuge.

The group will hold a second meeting at 5:30 p.m Tuesday at the White Swan Community Center just off Fort Road.

Group member Jan Whitefoot said the group has gathered more than 1,500 signatures on a petition opposing the dairy.

-- Phil Ferolito