Changes in Grazing Regulations

Project ID: HAF033L02

Federal Agency: Bureau of Land Management

Partner Institution: University of Idaho

Fiscal Year: 2003

Initial Funding: $66,878

Total Funding: $66,878

Project Type: Research

Project Disciplines: Interdisciplinary

Principal Investigator: Rimbey, Neil

Agreement Technical Representative: Brady, Molly

Abstract: Since the first set of grazing regulations was issued after the passage of the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934, the regulations have been periodically modified, revised, and updated. The last major revision effort culminated when BLM published and implemented comprehensive changes to the grazing regulations in 1995. The changes BLM is considering would encourage partnerships in public land stewardship and establish new options for BLM and rangeland users in the administration and management of public lands. The goals of the proposed changes are to: 1) enhance community-based conservation and citizen-centered stewardship; 2) improve BLM business practices; and 3) provide greater flexibility for the manager and the permitted. The proposed revisions of grazing regulations require the preparation of a social assessment and social impact analysis portion of an Environmental Impact Statement.