The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) launched a demonstration program on Sept. 22 that will allow stakeholders in the grazing community an opportunity to achieve rangeland health goals on public land while allowing greater flexibility in livestock management decisions. The program focuses on responsive outcome-based livestock grazing on public lands.
Under the demonstration program, the BLM will work with grazing permittees and other stakeholders in identifying six to 12 “Outcome-Based Grazing Authorizations (OBGAs)” in its first year. Grazing authorizations typically emphasize process and prescription. The program announcement explained that new authorizations will instead emphasize ecological outcomes, allowing livestock operators more flexibility to make adjustments in response to changing conditions such as drought or wildland fire. This innovative concept is intended to develop and determine the effectiveness of these permits to manage livestock grazing on public lands in order to meet both natural resource and operational objectives.
Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke applauded BLM, calling the program innovative and saying, “Farmers and ranchers know the wildlife and the land they work better than anyone; it only makes sense that we would enlist them in conservation efforts.” He added, “One of my top goals is for the government to be a better neighbor, land manager, and partner. I think it’s a great step in that direction.”
BLM Acting Director, Michael Nedd noted that the initiative is in line with the Trump administration’s priority of promoting shared stewardship of public lands and giving local stakeholders a say in how the lands are managed. “This demonstration project will allow permittees and the BLM to work together more efficiently and effectively to support sustainable grazing operations.”
Those selected for OBGAs will actively implement a responsive grazing management plan to achieve habitat and vegetation goals on public land.
The announcement came just as the Public Lands Council (PLC) annual meeting was getting underway in Flagstaff, AZ, and coincided with the execution of a new Cooperative Monitoring Memorandum of Understanding between the PLC and the BLM.
Reacting to the new initiative, Dave Eliason, a Utah rancher and PLC president, said, “Previously, ranchers have been held to a process and prescription method that tells them how to manage their land. It’s irrational to think government officials can make a more informed decision than those who live and work on the land. When responsive management decisions fall into the hands of those who best understand it, the land, animals, and ecosystem thrive.”
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Craig Uden also expressed approval of the plan, saying the cattle industry is pleased by the Trump administration’s push to support grazing on public land, and stressed the value of shared stewardship and trust that is established through this program.
“The livestock industry is thankful for the leadership of Secretary Zinke in establishing a demonstration program that allows flexibility in the ability to manage conditions on the ground,” Uden said, adding, “This decision ensures our public lands are managed in an efficient and sustainable way.”
The program is identified as a “demonstration project.” Brian Lombard, a BLM public affairs specialist, explained to WLJ that this means the six to 12 authorizations will serve as a pilot program for future OBGAs. He said there is no set timeframe for the demonstrations projects.
He noted, “BLM is authorized to issue the OBGAs under the Taylor Grazing Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, among others.” No additional congressional action is needed and the action does not need to be printed in the Federal Register and opened for comment.
Lombard said OBGAs are designed for livestock operators with grazing permits or public land leases, but the agency will encourage a cooperative agreement that would include those operating on private lands as well. In response to WLJ’s question, he said while additional flexibility is provided there is no financial incentive (payment) to program participants.
The announcement from BLM said permittees, lessees, rangeland ecologists, and other stakeholders are eligible for the program. Interested participants should contact their local BLM office. The original deadline for project proposals was Oct. 13, however Lombard told WLJ the deadline has been extended to Oct. 27. — WLJ
