If a sufficient number of ranchers elect to take the buyout and end livestock production on public lands, won that affect rural economies and communities?
No. Contibutions from public lands livestock production to personal income and employment in the West are miniscule. First, over half of all public lands ranchers are considered “hobbyists”; they earn most of their income from off-ranch sources. Most public lands ranchers depend on jobs in town, more than the towns depend on them. Second, even among those who are “full time” ranchers, there is a sizable number that are “trophy ranchers” and “corporate ranchers” who enjoy ranching as a lifestyle choice or perhaps a tax write-off. Despite the vast acreage involved, ranching (public or private land) provides few jobs, which are often taken by immigrants imported to do the work that most Americans shun due to the low wages.
Related Questions
- Shouldn conservationists avoid associating with or confronting public lands ranchers with a buyout proposal and instead focus on establishing Wilderness and other protective designations?
- If a sufficient number of ranchers elect to take the buyout and end livestock production on public lands, won that affect rural economies and communities?
- By endorsing the permit buyout, am I supporting the end of all livestock grazing on public lands?
