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Show THE ZEPHYR APRIL 1990 PAGE 21 from the western association of land users wheres the beef? by Raquel Shumway 1 1 95 So. Hwy 191 HJH 259-871- 4 "Wheres the beef? may be the cry heard by future generations? Preservationist groups are fearful that the pristine areas of our country wont be here for our descendants to enjoy. But what about the beef? Well? What about It? Should we be allowed to graze on public lands (and wilderness Is public land!) or should we be forced out? According to Wayne Owens, grazing will be allowed In wilderness areas. But according to the BLM Management Policy this Is debateable. The BLM Management Policy states that "the grazing of livestock, where established prior to the effective date of this Act, shall be permitted to continue subject to such reasonable regulations as are deemed necessary by the Secretary of Agriculture. It goes on to state that the regulations and policies of the National Forest Service have already worked to discourage grazing In wilderness areas within the National Forest They have also restricted activities necessary for proper grazing management These policies, whether administered by the Forest Service or the BLM will have the same result It will become Increasingly Impossible to raise livestock and make a living. Already the fees and requirements are outrageous, making It difficult to make a living as a und rancher. And as If this were not enough there are those helping the conflict along. Many ranchers have had stock tanks sabotaged, fences cut and livestock killed. Killed by those commissioned to protect and manage the land as well as by outside groups. Im sure that years ago as the first ranchers entered this country there was a tendency to over graze. But as they learned about this land, things began to change. Today the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) provides for the protection of the land on the government level. We also have ranchers who are knowledgeable and responsible In their grazing practices. They are In no hurry to graze themselves out of business. One of many practices used In managing the land for the good of many species of animals Is that of chaining. This Is a practice questioned by many. Questioned because It tears down Sees and changes what Is considered to be the "Naturalness of the land. According to a Forest Service employee, the trees In question don't allow any growth around them. The trees soak up the sun and water and make It difficult for undergrowth to grow. These trees do provide some forage for the deer and elk herds. However, during the chaining process some trees are left standing and the area Is reseeded with better brush, cliff rose, alfalfa, grass, etc. This provides forage for several different species of wildlife. Including the deer and elk. It also provides available grazing for livestock. The new growth also provides protection for the small game and prevents erosion of the soil by providing ground cover. Years ago the Forest Service chained an area south and an area north of Pack Creek. Today these are considered to be pristine and untouched by man. Weve also seen the elk move Into these areas. Another method that accomplishes the same thing, Is that of burning acreage to allow new growth to take place. This method was also used by the Indians to provide grazing for the buffalo herds. This was to ensure the growth of the buffalo herds for food. Can these and other methods be bad, If they benefit several animal populations as well as benefit man? Without the possibility of grazing on public land, the ranchers are left with the monumental task of feeding their livestock. And at $100.00 a ton for hay, It won't be long Til we are asking, "Where's the beef? And I for one enjoy the luxury of the food and clothing provided by the cattle We Also Carry: PATIO DOOR SCREENS PATIO DOOR REPAIR Hlatn Street Corners & WESTERN PLAZA 9-1:- EASTER IS APRIL 15 Lillies Arrangements Corsages locally owned and operated RED SANDS AUTO BODY would like to believe that we are all wise enough to realize that we can enjoy the pristine nature of our country, while at the same time providing the necessities of life. I 1 209 So. 259-701- 4 CRpshri 259-292- 9 Conveniently located in downtown Moab 9:00-5:3- 0 Sat. Open Mon.-Fr- i. p.m. p.m. Industry. YowOeep iTo ouR ftkitnn riifts Hwy 1 91 1 |