210 OUR NATIONAL FORESTS 



greater the preference right. No one can acquire 

 this right to the use of National Forest range, nor 

 can it be bought or sold, but stockmen may acquire 

 a preference in the allotment of grazing privileges. 

 This preference right does not entitle him to con- 

 tinued use of a certain part of a Forest, but only to 

 preference over other apphcants less entitled to 

 consideration in the use of the ranges open to the 

 class of stock which he wishes to graze. Certain 

 stockmen may be given preference in ranges se- 

 cured by prior use and occupancy supplemented by 

 heavy investments in improved property and water 

 rights. 



Citizens of the United States are given prefer- 

 ence in the use of the National Forests, but persons 

 who are not citizens may be allowed grazing permits 

 provided they are bona fide residents and owners of 

 improved ranch property either within or adjacent 

 to a National Forest. Regular occupants of the 

 range who own and reside upon improved ranch 

 property in or near National Forests are given first 

 consideration, but will be limited to a number 

 which will not exclude regular occupants who re- 

 side or whose stock are wintered at a greater dis- 

 tance from the National Forests. With this pro- 



