Editorial: Agency should revisit arbitrary grazing ban

By Albuquerque Journal Editorial Board
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The U.S. Forest Service’s decision to run 21 ranchers off their federal grazing allotments in the Mountainair Ranger District is arbitrary and needless flexing of regulatory muscle.

Many of the ranchers’ families have held the grazing leases for generations. The Forest Service, too, has a long history. It was established in 1905 and its mission is to manage and preserve public lands in national forests and grasslands for the greater good of the citizenry. And that is as it should be. The Forest Service over the years has worked with ranchers, universities and other land managers to monitor rangeland health and sustainability. 

However, the abrupt – and unappealable – decision three months ago appears to be one-sided and poorly thought out. 

The Forest Service excuse is drought, a condition in which 75 percent of New Mexico remains. But to hear ranchers like Richard Spencer tell it, there is grass. Others say they have been practicing good management, such as leaving parts of their allotments ungrazed so the range can restore itself. Plus, they point out, recent rains are revitalizing the forage, and other users of public lands have been allowed back into the forests.

The order, issued in June, suspended all grazing in the ranger district after July 30 for at least a year after the range returns to average or above annual precipitation that produces “adequate seed in key grasses and forbs.” Only then would grazing be allowed to return gradually on a case-by-case basis. The order notes it could take a few years for ranchers to get back to their maximum permitted number of livestock. Meanwhile, the Forest Service says ranchers are required to maintain water systems and improvements on the allotments for the benefit of wildlife. 

And continue their monthly lease payments. 

If you ever needed an example of a federal bureaucracy completely unplugged from the reality of being able to run a ranch or business, this would be it. It essentially says, “we are kicking you out of the house indefinitely, but you still need to pay rent and upkeep. How you do that is your problem.” 

Ranchers say the loss of use of their grazing allotments will create financial hardships, but it will also impact commerce in rural towns and revenues for school districts and local governments. They want the order withdrawn and an advisory panel created so they can have some say in future grazing lease decisions. 

The Forest Service is right to try to protect the public’s resources. But its decisions not only should be based on good science and applicable government regulations, but should include the input of those who will be directly affected, including allotment holders and local governments. 

Like it or not, the U.S. government permits grazing on some of its lands. That’s the law. The Forest Service should reconsider the blanket ban and work with ranchers and rangeland experts to come up with an acceptable plan. 

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.

For the background on this, see my post here.