December 12, 2003
Dec. 12, 2003 -- Last Friday, the Department of Interior and its Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released details of a proposed grazing rule that would improve grazing management and help continue public lands ranching in the rural West.
Interior Secretary Gale Norton recognized the economic and social benefits of public lands ranching, as well as its preservation of open space in the rapidly growing West. BLM Director Kathleen Clarke added, ?This proposed rule reflects our Agency?s commitment to continue livestock grazing as one of the legitimate uses for the public lands.?
The proposed grazing rule that was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 8, 2003, would revise existing Federal grazing regulations in three categories: improve working relationships with grazing permittees and lessees; assess and protect rangelands; and address legal issues and enhance administrative efficiency. A fact sheet on the BLM?s proposed grazing rule can be accessed at:
Fact Sheet.
The comment period will close on Feb. 6, 2004. Comments can be submitted to: www.blm.gov/grazing.
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33
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