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Rangeland and Grazing Issues
Federal Grazing Lands
Range and forest lands constitute a significant portion of New Mexico's 78 million-acre land base, with federal agencies controlling approximately 34.1 percent of the land mass of New Mexico. The predominance of nonprivate grazing lands, public rangeland laws and regulations, and executive and judicial orders and decisions have transformed the regulatory environment in which livestock producers operate, affecting the stability of New Mexico's livestock industry.
The Public Rangelands Improvement Act requires federal agencies to consult, cooperate, and coordinate with permitees and the state to develop allotment (range) management plans. NMDA provides technical expertise during this process.
Farm and Range Improvement Fund (FRIF)
NMDA works with county commissioners to expend funds derived from the state's share of Taylor Grazing Act fees paid to Bureau of Land Management. These funds are returned to the state and distributed to the originating counties. The law defines six purposes for the funds relating to conservation of resources and infrastructure, which affect the livestock industry directly. Staff provide a liason between appointed FRIF representatives in the counties and their county commissioners.
Taylor Grazing Act Fund Distribution 07-08Other Links
GAP Workshop Comes to Las Cruces and Silver City, New Mexico
