Faulting the BLM is fair, but maybe not always. Many of the areas managed by the Salt Lake Field Office rate as poor due to being heavily infested with cheatgrass. However, large sections of this area were nothing but halogeton 20 years ago. So, though it is still poor, it is better than previously. One more thing to keep in mind is that even though the Taylor Grazing Act went into effect in 1934, many of the allotments in UT were not set up until the 1960's!! Much of this land sees less than 12" of precipitation per year. Thus, the impacts that occured at the turn of the century may or may not have healed.
Overgrazing still does occur on public lands, albeit much less than in the past. That problem should be fixed. One thing we much remember is that it may take a LONG time for land to heal, if it is possible at all (states and transitions model). Though things are better and getting more so all the time, I'm still not satisfied which is why I'm trying to be a part of the solution. If that calls for removing livestock or adding even more, so be it. Whatever is required to make the land healthier.
One question:
Would you support a drastic reduction in game animals (especially deer or elk) if it was proven that they are over-grazing an area?
Overgrazing still does occur on public lands, albeit much less than in the past. That problem should be fixed. One thing we much remember is that it may take a LONG time for land to heal, if it is possible at all (states and transitions model). Though things are better and getting more so all the time, I'm still not satisfied which is why I'm trying to be a part of the solution. If that calls for removing livestock or adding even more, so be it. Whatever is required to make the land healthier.
One question:
Would you support a drastic reduction in game animals (especially deer or elk) if it was proven that they are over-grazing an area?