This bill, titled the "Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act," amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. It introduces a new provision allowing the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior to authorize the temporary use of vacant grazing allotments . This provision is specifically triggered when a permit holder's existing grazing allotments become unusable due to unforeseen natural events or disasters , such as extreme weather, drought, wildfire, or infestation. The Secretaries concerned must determine if a vacant allotment is appropriate for temporary grazing and establish terms and conditions based on local ecological conditions and prior agreements. Importantly, the bill allows for the placement of temporary rangeland improvements like fencing and water troughs to support this use. It also explicitly states that such temporary use will not alter the terms of the original grazing permit, the holder's ability to return to their primary allotment, or future animal unit month authorizations. The Secretaries are required to develop guidelines for expeditious implementation and to periodically evaluate the health of vacant allotments.
Agricultural conservation and pollutionAtmospheric science and weatherCivil actions and liabilityDisaster relief and insuranceEcologyEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchFiresForests, forestry, treesGovernment trust fundsHunting and fishingLand use and conservationLicensing and registrationsLivestockNatural disastersOutdoor recreationWater use and supplyWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act
USA119th CongressS-211| Senate
| Updated: 1/23/2025
This bill, titled the "Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act," amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. It introduces a new provision allowing the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior to authorize the temporary use of vacant grazing allotments . This provision is specifically triggered when a permit holder's existing grazing allotments become unusable due to unforeseen natural events or disasters , such as extreme weather, drought, wildfire, or infestation. The Secretaries concerned must determine if a vacant allotment is appropriate for temporary grazing and establish terms and conditions based on local ecological conditions and prior agreements. Importantly, the bill allows for the placement of temporary rangeland improvements like fencing and water troughs to support this use. It also explicitly states that such temporary use will not alter the terms of the original grazing permit, the holder's ability to return to their primary allotment, or future animal unit month authorizations. The Secretaries are required to develop guidelines for expeditious implementation and to periodically evaluate the health of vacant allotments.
Agricultural conservation and pollutionAtmospheric science and weatherCivil actions and liabilityDisaster relief and insuranceEcologyEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchFiresForests, forestry, treesGovernment trust fundsHunting and fishingLand use and conservationLicensing and registrationsLivestockNatural disastersOutdoor recreationWater use and supplyWildlife conservation and habitat protection