by Public Lands Council

This week, Idaho rancher Kim Brackett testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture on the cattle industry’s leadership in sustainability and conservation practices. “Cattle producers are America’s original conservationists, and we work hard every day to ensure that we can pass our operations on to the next generation,” Brackett said. “Our family, along with cattlemen and women from across the country, are committed to remaining environmentally, economically and socially sustainable for generations to come.”

Click here to watch Kim’s testimony.

WOTUS COMMENT PERIOD ENDS MONDAY

Earlier this year, EPA announced its intent to revise the Navigable Waters Protection Rule by first returning to the 1986 regulatory definition, and then replacing the definition with a new rule. Comments on the first stage – returning to 1986 without some key agricultural exclusions – close soon. Share how you will be impacted by WOTUS rules with the EPA. The public comment period closes February 7, 2022! To leave comments regarding WOTUS, follow this link.

SAGE GROUSE COMMENT PERIOD ENDS TUESDAY

The Bureau of Land Management is once again reviewing how it manages sage grouse habitat across 10 Western states.CIn this scoping period, the BLM has asked for information they should consider that was not available or omitted from the 2015 and 2019 rulemakings. Ranchers and permittees are best positioned to give that information, so follow this link to comment before midnight on February 8, 2022!

2022 GRAZING FEES ANNOUNCED

This week, the agencies announced that the federal grazing fee for 2022 will be $1.35 per animal unit month for public lands, marking no change from 2021. This fee is one of many valuable contributions ranchers’ make to the landscapes. As you’re discussing the grazing fee with neighbors and those who may not have federal grazing permits, remind them that the grazing fee isn’t the only investment you make in your allotments!