Cost of Reclaiming Pinyon-Juniper Rangeland and its Effect on Cattle Ranch Income

There was a period during the early history of Utah when grasses in some areas grew so tall that it hid grazing cattle and sheep from view. However, mismanagement caused this to change and depleted grassland was invaded by noxious weeds, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper. This deterioration of choice grassland to less desirable range cover was aided by the attitude of stockmen that pasture was available on a first come first serve basis. As a result of such an attitude and the unsatisfactory condition of ranges. the era of free, uncontrolled use of grazing lands came to a close with the introduction of the Taylor Grazing Act in 1934. This act provided for classification of all unappropriated and unreserved lands. Grazing districts were organized and regulations were established for the distribution of grazing permits and the setting of fees to be charged for the use of public lands (9, p.14).