Raising livestock is a large and important industry in and adjoining the
forest. Stock is wintered on the nearby ranches and depends for summer
pasture on the forest ranges. Some 20,000 cattle and 66,000 sheep, owned
by 285 stockmen, are grazed on the forest each summer.
[Illustration: F-376871
MILL POND AT M’PHEE]
[Illustration: F-80528
SHEEP GRAZING IN A GRASS PARK AREA OF THE MONTEZUMA]
[Illustration: F-364895
IMPROVED PUBLIC CAMP AND PICNIC GROUNDS ARE AVAILABLE AT MANY
ATTRACTIVE POINTS ON NATIONAL FORESTS AND ARE EQUIPPED WITH
FIREPLACES, TABLES, AND SANITARY FACILITIES.]
The handling of the summer range is a large undertaking. Distribution
and management of livestock are carefully regulated to prevent damage to
the forest growth and to conserve the forage resources. A cover of
grasses and weeds must be retained to prevent erosion. Forest officers
constantly study the ranges and work with stockmen in planning
management of grazing and construction of improvements needed for the
control of stock.
In the allotment of range, previous use of the range and the raising of
sufficient forage to feed stock during the winter are determining
factors. The permanent ranch owner is given preference, which helps to
stabilize the industry.