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Show More Grazing Cuts On Winter Allotments Five out of 40 winter allotments in the Grand Staircase-Escalante Staircase-Escalante National Monument are among those cited for additional reductions in grazing use. The reductions are similar to those enacted across the state last summer in response to prolonged drought and a devastating series of wildfires, will continue to be necessary on most winter grazing allotments, according to the Bureau of Land Management. "Drought, and in some instances instan-ces fire, has essentially robbed us of a growing cycle on our winter grazing lands," said Jerry Goodman, BLM Richfield Field Office Manager. "Even though we did get some good rains in late August and September, I'm afraid it was a case of too little too late in terms of plant growth. Forage production is less than half of what it should be on most of out winter allotments, " he added. As a result, many of the livestock permittees who graze sheep or cattle on most of the 600 BLM winter allotments in the state are facing substantial reductions in either stocking levels or in the time livestock will be allowed to graze on public rangelands. Allotments hit hardest by drought or wildfire will be closed entirely to winter grazing. "While adjustments in grazing ' (See WINTER CUTS Page 5-A) WINTER CUTS From Front Page use due to dry spells are common and pretty-much standard operating procedure for the BLM, the year 2000 has proven to be a particularly challenging one for both the agency and its permittees," explained Goodman. "The extent and duration of drought this year was unusual, even for Utah. And of course, having to deal with winter reductions directly on the heels of cutbacks in summer grazing just makes matters worse for everyone," said Goodman. By the end of the summer, grazing levels were reduced on 189 out of approximately 900 spring and summer allotments. Another 49 allotments were closed entirely and ranchers were asked to bring all of their cattle home early. Grazing reductions on winter allotments are shaping up to be even more extensiv. Although winter turnout won't occur for another week or two, BLM, offices have already taken a number of actions in response to low forage production and a need to give extra rest to drought-stressed vegetation. For example: Seven allotments scorched by wildfires that burned large areas of the West Desert in parts of Tooele, Juab and Utah counties have been closed entirely to winter grazing. Winter grazing use on all 52 sheep and 56 cattle allotments in the Fillmore Field Office will be reduced anywhere from 20 to 70 percent. Most of the 90 winter allotments located in the San Rafael Swell and surrounding areas managed by the Price Field Office I will require reductions in either the number of animals or the time allowed for grazing. Grazing use will be reduced by half in many allotments, due to a lack of forage in the majority of these winter allotments. Five out of the 40 winter allotments in the Grand Staircase-Escalante Staircase-Escalante National Monument have been closed. Reductions, varying from 20 to 80 percent, are likely on most others. In a related action, the BLM's Cedar City Office will conduct a special roundup of 200 wild horses from the Sulphur Herd Area this December. The emergency gathering is necessary as a result of assessments that show there is insufficient forage to support wild 'horse populations throughout the winter. Even though grazing reductions, and in some cases entire closures of allotments, are prevalent in most BLM offices, Goodman stressed that each situation is evaluated individually. "Our approach is to work directly with the people involved on an allotment by allotment, permittee by permittee basis." To help ensure this happens, the BLM has stepped up its contacts with the affected permittees. Thousands of letters and numerous follow up telephone calls have been made over the past several months. In many offices, special field tours have been arranged to get BLM staff and livestock ranchers out on the ground together. "We're doing our best to make sure everyone is kept informed and the lines of communication remain open," said Goodman. In spite of the hardships imposed by the grazing reductions, Goodman characterized most livestock operators as extremely cooperative and helpful in working towards productive solutions. "All of the reductions in grazing use that have been made to date on winter allotments, as well as most of those made this summer, have been accepted by permittees on a voluntary basis," said Goodman. Out of the nearly 240 grazing reductions enacted last summer, all but five were voluntarily agreed to without the need for a full force and effect decision by the BLM that orders compliance. A few trespass . notices were issued, however these cases have been resolved with the exception of three allotments in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. In those instances, the involved permittees continue to accrue large trespass fees for cattle remaining on the public land, and their cattle are subject to impoundment at any time. "Overall, the 1,500 livestock operators who hold BLM grazing permits have really come through under some extremely difficult circumstances. I know these reductions reduc-tions represent a significant financial finan-cial loss to many hard-working families. I applaud their personal sacrifice through some trying times in order to ensure the long term health and productivity of the public lands," said Goodman. i |