Show i f 1 1 Ji iK rJ i j f Q iiI 1 Rangeland development to benefit society society Significant strides have been made with the Western States' States Rangeland Development Development Development Develop Develop- ment program since the conference conference conference con con- ference on agriculture held in Salt Lake City last year says Ben W W. Lindsay director of the Division of Agriculture Development Utah Department Department Depart Depart- ment merit of Agriculture Each state has a representative for a Western States State's rangeland committee and part of the states have a rangeland development committee commit ee organized for leadership p of of their respective states Landlords Landlords Landlords Lan Lan- of state private and federal lands are working together to facilitate a development program that will benefit all ail segments of society in developing watersheds and conserving valuable topsoil THE TilE WESTERN Governors' Governors Conference on Agriculture held at Billings Montana April 3 3 1 included a wide range of subjects subjects subjects sub sub- of primary interest to the economy of the West One subject of special significance was the Development of Rangeland Resources According to Mr Lindsay The magnitude and importance importance importance im im- of rangeland in the Western States is awesome to say the least To gain the full prospective we must look at million acres with 75 p percent or million acres classified as rangeland Each of the 11 Western States has over 67 percent of their area in rangeland and some states over 90 percent range Political circumstances at tl this s date suggest that the States of Hawaii and Alaska be considered considered considered con con- separately from the 11 Western States of Arizona Cal California ornia Colorado Idaho Montana Nevada New Mexico Oregon Utah Washington and Wyoming who are 11 ii members of the Western Governors' Governors Conference THE TilE BULK of western rangeland is owned by three landlords namely federal government state government and private citizens Tl This s type of land ownership pattern makes it necessary for funds to tobe tobe tobe be made available from all ail sources to stimulate an orderly program of development and improvement of tl this s vast renewable resource Livestock production from Crom these ranges can easily be doubled says Mr Lindsay In addi addition tion all ail other rangeland uses and value would benefit With a greater variety of feed and habitat wildlife e and bird populations would in in- crease Increased vegetation would reduce erosion and pro provide ide improved water quality a commodity in greater demand each year as the need for energy Industry agriculture and human consumption consumption consumption con con- increases IMPROVED rangeland for present and future generations is vitally important to the person seeking scenery or open space the seeking an enjoyable outdoor experience experience ex ex- the urban resident demanding a high rugh quality water supply the person interested in ina ina ina a healthy viable wildlife population the consumer who desires an economical diet that thai includes red meat products and the rural family and community community community com com- which depends on livestock grazing for their livelihood and economic stability n |