Commentary: Cattlemen statement on Filippini grazing

The Nevada Land Action Association and Nevada Cattlemen’s Association are pleased that cattle have been turned out onto private lands in the North Buffalo Allotment. While the cattle are grazing in an allotment that is primarily private property exchange of use based (greater than 95 percent), it is important to note that the public lands portions of the allotment are still closed to grazing. Permittees and the BLM are aggressively working to find a solution to the closed public land grazing areas in North Buffalo Allotment. Until such time as an agreement is reached, permittees are aggressively working to keep cattle off of closed areas. It should be noted that no grazing permit was authorized on public lands in the North Buffalo Allotment, the AUMs tied to the public lands remain inactive. The use of private lands for grazing and the reduction of fuels ahead of the fire season in these areas are welcome positive steps and we applaud all those involved. Creative thinking, adaptive management, and cooperation are the critical tools needed in moving forward with grazing management in the Great Basin.  Elko Daily Free Press