1978 Public Rangelands Improvement Act: Enhancing Public Lands

The 1978 Public Rangelands Improvement Act marked a significant step forward in the management and enhancement of public rangelands across the United States. This legislation established a national policy aimed at improving the conditions of these lands, ensuring sustainable use and conservation for future generations. By amending existing acts and introducing new management strategies, the Act sought to address the challenges facing public rangelands, including soil degradation and habitat loss.

Overview

The Act, codified as 43 U.S.C. §§ 1901-1908, was enacted on October 25, 1978. It set forth a national policy to improve public rangelands, requiring a comprehensive inventory and consistent federal management policies. Additionally, it provided funding for range improvement projects and amended the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.

Findings and Policy

Congress identified that many public rangelands were underperforming in terms of livestock, wildlife habitat, recreation, and conservation benefits. The Act recognized the need for increased management and funding to prevent further degradation. It established a policy to inventory and manage rangelands, charge equitable grazing fees, and protect wild horses and burros while managing their populations.

Selected Definitions

Range condition: Refers to the land's quality and its ability to support productivity based on management objectives. It considers soil quality, forage values, wildlife habitat, and plant communities.

Rangelands: Lands managed by the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture in the western states, suitable for livestock grazing.

Rangelands Inventory and Management

The Act mandates the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to maintain an updated inventory of range conditions and trends. This data is made available to the public, ensuring transparency and informed management decisions aimed at maximizing productivity.

Range Improvement Funding

At least 80% of the funds appropriated under the Act must be used for on-ground range improvements and personnel training. The Secretary is tasked with consulting various stakeholders to prioritize cooperative agreements for these improvements, ensuring environmental assessments are conducted before project implementation.

Grazing Fees

The Act established a formula for grazing fees on public rangelands, initially set for 1979-1985 and extended by Executive Order 12548 in 1986. This formula aimed to reflect changes in production costs, with a maximum fee of $1.35 per animal unit month.

Experimental Stewardship Program

The Act directed the development of an experimental program to incentivize improved range conditions through innovative grazing management policies. The results were to be reported to Congress, along with evaluations and recommendations for future grazing fees.

Appropriations Authorized

Congress authorized annual appropriations for the Act, starting at $15 million for fiscal years 1980-1982, with increases in subsequent years. These funds were in addition to other federal resources available for range improvements.