NATIONAL FOREST RESOURCES 209 



men are recognized in these localities as having 

 preference rights or equities in the use of range 

 lands. These equities form the basis upon which 

 grazing privileges are allowed. 



Grazing permits are issued only to persons enti- 

 tled to share in the use of the range within the Na- 

 tional Forests by reason of their fulfilling certain 

 conditions or requirements. Prior use and occu- 

 pancy of National Forest lands for grazing pur- 

 poses is the first and foremost requirement. Local 

 residence and ownership of improved ranch prop- 

 erty within or near the Forest and dependence 

 upon government range are also conditions that 

 may entitle a stockman to grazing privileges. The 

 Forest Service also recognizes those stockmen who 

 have acquired by purchase or inheritance stock 

 grazed upon National Forest lands under permit 

 and improved ranch property used in connection 

 with the stock, provided circumstances warrant the 

 renewal of the permit issued to the former owner. 

 The regular use of a range during its open season 

 for several successive years before the creation of 

 the National Forest and under grazing permit 

 thereafter is what is meant by "prior use" or "regu- 

 lar occupancy." The longer the period or use the 



