Coordinated planning of intermingled ownership is essential by the 

 livestock industry, land management agencies and technical and scientific 

 personnel if more red meat is to be produced on less acres with increased 

 efficiency. Increased pressure on public lands due to conflicting interests, 

 combined with the increased concern on the part of individuals for the en- 

 vironment, makes it imperative that each land use alternative be carefully 

 examined. 



As the principles of multiple use and sustained yield become more for- 

 malized in today's land use planning on National Forest lands, livestock 

 industry representatives, and land managing agencies need to become more as- 

 tute in identifying the better forage producing areas and what is limiting 

 productivity. Have we defined our long-range goals with improved produc- 

 tivity in mind? We know there will be minor shifts in grazing from rough, 

 fragile, and less productive areas to those that have potential for develop- 

 ment and intensive management. Over the next 40-year period. National For- 

 est livestock production in Montana is expected to increase from our pre- 

 sent base of approximately 500>000 animal unit months to help meet the 

 Nation's future needs. Coordinated range management is essential if we are 

 to better define these long-range production goals and pinpoint the areas 

 of increased productivity. 



Coordinated range planning should involve both a rancher's leased lands 

 and his private lands. The total agricultiiral land base should be used in 

 setting goals and objectives. Land improvement measures can be given prio- 

 rities in planning accomplishments. This permits the assigning of jobs, 

 scheduling work and each partner can be held responsible for the range man- 

 agement actions and agreed upon commitments. Equal responsibility will be 

 placed upon the land managing agencies, and the landowners for discussing 

 all proposed land commitment changes prior to making changes. 



From the landowner's viewpoint, grazing tenure on National Forest sum- 

 mer ranges should be recognized and \inderstood by urban recreationists. 

 Flexibility in both stocking rates and grazing capacity can be achieved as 

 more land improvement opportunities become available. From the public's 

 viewpoint, a rancher who grazes livestock on public lands is demonstrating 

 good stewardship on both public and private lands through the planned co- 



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