Can ranchers use motor vehicles to take hay, salt, and other feed to their livestock, or to maintain existing developments such as stock ponds, tanks, or fences?
The Congressional Grazing Guidelines direct that the use of motorized equipment be based on a rule of practical necessity and reasonableness. Where practical alternatives do not exist, maintenance or other activities may be accomplished through the occasional use of motorized equipment. Motorized equipment need not be allowed for activities that can reasonably and practically be accomplished on horseback or foot. Use of motorized equipment is normally only permitted to those portions of a wilderness area where they had occurred prior to the area’s designation as wilderness and where motorized equipment would not have a significant adverse effect on the natural environment.
