USDA and Interior Departments Propose Rule to Streamline Grazing Permits on Western Public Lands
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum have announced a proposed rule by the USDA to update grazing permit issuance, eligibility, and qualifications. This rule also aims to revise grazing fee provisions to ensure consistent fee-setting across national forests and grasslands in 16 contiguous Western states. The objective is to create a more seamless practice for American ranchers, benefiting rural communities by supporting both small and large ranching operations and generating local jobs. Secretary Burgum stated that the rule is designed to cut red tape, provide ranchers with more certainty, and help lower costs for families, aligning with President Trump's directive for agencies to collaborate rather than create obstacles for producers. The Forest Service currently allows livestock grazing on nearly 40% of the 193 million acres it manages.
