Will enough permittees/lessees opt for buyout to make a difference ecologically?
Over time, many permittees (and lessees) may avail themselves of the buyout offer if it becomes law. Consider the following: • The average age of public lands grazing permittees is rising. As they approach retirement, some will desire to cash in on the asset value of their permits, while continuing to live on their private base property. • When a permittee dies and their ranch is inherited, it is often by descendants who are approaching retirement themselves. These “youngsters” have usually left the ranch several decades prior and have no interest in ranching. They are likely to offer the ranch for sale, or, if they have personal ties to the base property, they may keep that and waive the federal grazing permit for buyout. • Ranchers (often large corporations) that continue to graze federal allotments do so under increasing restrictions, controversy and conflicts on public lands. Public lands ranching is becoming increasingly problematic. Many ranchers may find it more desirable to acc
