High Uinta sheep grazing EIS

[Dave]

USFS is out with its EIS on sheep grazing in the Uintas. In a nutshell, they're proposing to do nothing. Their study says eliminating sheep grazing from the current allotments would help the environment, but because it generates a small handful of jobs and about $2.5 million in annual economic impact the sheep should stay.

It's an interesting EIS as there are only two serious alternatives: no grazing at all, or the current scheme. The FS rejected outright a proposal from Uinta Co., Wyoming to expand sheep grazing, both in geography, season and number of animals. But they also ignored possible positive benefit to bighorn sheep because they reason domestic and bighorn herds would co-mingle off of FS lands anyway.

Other interesting notes: all of the sheep that graze the allotments (both north and south slope) originate in Wyoming. Sheep-related agriculture in both Utah and Wyoming has been on a steady decline since the mid-20th century. The FS sees sheep as a "stabilizing force" on the economy of Uinta Co., Wyoming, the loss of which would have a ripple effect on recreation.

Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44503

Full EIS doc: https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/98915_FSPLT3_4656983.pdf

 

[Perry]

(sigh)

 

[Artemus]

Thanks Dave and great analysis.

I intend to give them some public input as well as to my county government (responsible for much of the south slope on the west) which is also considering how to respond to the EiS.

My experience with livestock grazing in the High and Wild has been absolutely negative and I have been working for a long time to reduce the impact on the riparian areas and the high alpine ecosystems of the Uintas. I suggest to everyone to get involved and understand the issues and express your opinion.