Then how do the tortoises factor into the equation?
My understanding was that in the 90s, they reduced the amount of AUMs allowed (from 1,000 to 150 is a number I've seen thrown about around here, but no official source). It was the reduction in herd, not the fee per AUM,that he was upset about.
Also, I've been told by some who know better than me that an equivalent fee per AUM on private lands is more than 4 times what the feds charge. Somewhere between 5 and 6 dollars per AUM. But, I can't find any data on that, so I don't know for certain. All I can find is source data on the federal rate for AUM on federal land (BLM and Forest Service).
My understanding was that in the 90s, they reduced the amount of AUMs allowed (from 1,000 to 150 is a number I've seen thrown about around here, but no official source). It was the reduction in herd, not the fee per AUM,that he was upset about.
Also, I've been told by some who know better than me that an equivalent fee per AUM on private lands is more than 4 times what the feds charge. Somewhere between 5 and 6 dollars per AUM. But, I can't find any data on that, so I don't know for certain. All I can find is source data on the federal rate for AUM on federal land (BLM and Forest Service).
The endangered species act.
“The most complete data is from the Beaver Dam Mountains. Woodbury and Hardy reported a tortoise population density of 150 per square mile in 1948. BLM reduced cattle grazing a few years later and eliminated cattle in 1970. Coombs reported a tortoise density of 39 per square mile in 1974. In these 26 years cattle use was reduced 100 percent and tortoise numbers were reduced 74 percent.
“These tortoises were doing so poorly a veterinarian, Dr. Jarchow, was consulted. He reported all six specimens were suffering from osteoporosis caused by a protein deficiency in their diet. Dr. Jarchow examined five specimens from the same mountains that shared their range with cattle. He reported these specimens were all healthy and well nourished.
“The historical record proves conclusively that tortoise thrive when cattle are on the range with them and without cattle grazing they are always malnourished and unhealthy and their numbers plummet.
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