S. 1981: Strategic Grazing to Reduce Risk of Wildfire Act

This bill, known as the Strategic Grazing to Reduce Risk of Wildfire Act, proposes to enhance wildfire risk management through the use of livestock grazing on federal lands. Here are the main components of the bill:

Objective

The primary goal of the bill is to utilize livestock grazing as a method to reduce the risk of wildfires on federal lands, specifically the National Forest System and other public lands.

Strategy Development

Within 18 months of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior are required to:

• Develop a strategy to employ livestock grazing for wildfire risk reduction.
• Coordinate with permit holders who currently graze livestock on federal land.
• Consult with various stakeholders, including state and local governments, Indian tribes, firefighting agencies, and land management organizations.

Considerations for the Strategy

The strategy developed must take into account numerous factors, including:

• Utilizing grazing on vacant allotments during natural disasters.
• Employing targeted grazing to manage hazardous vegetation and invasive species, particularly in high-risk areas.
• Providing recommendations for technical support to communities in their efforts to manage wildfire risks.
• Considering temporary grazing permits for specific purposes, like the reduction of invasive grasses.
• Incorporating modern technologies, such as virtual fencing, for better livestock management.
• Ensuring that grazing practices do not conflict with other land uses and align with land management plans.
• Developing workforce plans to equip federal workers with necessary grazing management skills.
• Forming cooperation with various governmental and community organizations to promote fuel reduction strategies.

Impact on Existing Grazing Programs

The bill states that it will not affect any current livestock grazing programs already in place, ensuring continuity for existing operations on federal lands.

Relevant Companies

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