Ranchers, Forest Service discuss grazing issues in Elko

Monday, Nov. 17, 2003 | 11:42 a.m.

ELKO, Nev. - Ranchers and U.S. Forest Service officials agree better communication is a major key to resolving concerns over grazing issues.

At a forum in Elko, both sides pledged to take steps to address the problem. Elko County Commission Chairman John Ellison put on Friday's meeting with the help of the staff of Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev.

Among ranchers' major concerns are how the Forest Service monitors grazing allotments and the fire danger in areas where grazing is not allowed.

If two two sides don't work together, "I see a huge confrontation," Assemblyman John Carpenter, R-Elko, told more than 50 people at the Elko County Library.

"We will try to do what we can to get communications going," replied Robert Vaught, supervisor of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Carpenter said he realizes the Forest Service has "regulation upon regulation piled upon them," while ranchers are trying to earn a living and environmentalists are trying to get livestock off the national forest.

"In no way, shape or form is it our intention to move livestock off the forest," Vaught said.

Much of the challenge stems from regulations and policies the Forest Service must follow because of court cases, said Diane Weaver, rangeland management specialist for the Humboldt-Toiyabe.

She cited a 1995 settlement of a lawsuit brought by the National Wildlife Federation that forces her agency to respond to any valid complaint of grazing noncompliance within five days.

Another settlement in 2001 resulted in more notices of noncompliance for ranchers, she said.

Rancher Fred Zaga of Jiggs said he was upset when he got such a notice for moving cattle off an area ahead of schedule due to a water shortage.

"You need to call," Weaver said, adding taking the cattle off wasn't in the grazing plan worked out with the Forest Service.

But Ellison defended the rancher.

"It seems like a communications breakdown, but Zaga did the right thing," he said.

"The remedy is just don't do it again. There won't be a penalty," Vaught said.

Vaught told ranchers that they should talk to their district rangers or him if they have problems.

But Carpenter said he would like to see a subcommittee formed to monitor grazing issues.

"I don't want this meeting to just die here," he said.

Information from: Elko Daily Free Press