16 MISC. PUBLICATION 10 9, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



FORAGE RESOURCES 



1. Why is livestock grazed in the national forests? 



To utilize the forage crop as fully as the proper care and protec- 

 tion of the forests and watersheds will permit. The utilization of 

 the forage grasses and plants also reduces the fire hazard and helps 

 protect the forest. 



2. How much land in the national forests of the California region 

 is suitable for the grazing of livestock? 



Of the 19,216,332 acres of national forests in the California 

 region, about 10,500,000 acres support forage grazed by livestock. 

 In addition, there are some 1,400,000 acres of private land within 

 the national forests that is used for grazing purposes. 



i 



The national forests of California furnish summer grazing for 190,000 cattle and 



560,000 sheep 



3. How many cattle and sheep are grazed in the national forests of 

 the California region? 



Approximately 190,000 head of cattle and horses and 560,000 sheep 

 and goats graze annually within the 18 national forests. 



4. What is the average length of the grazing season? 



Five months for cattle, and three and one-half months for sheep. 



5. Who authorizes the grazing of livestock in the national forests? 

 The Secretary of Agriculture. 



6. Who prescribes the number and class of stock to be grazed in 

 the national forests? 



The Forester, Chief of the United States Forest Service. 



7. What are the grazing fees for cattle and sheep in the national 

 forests of the California region? 



IF YOU DON'T KNOW, ASK A UNITED STATES FOREST 



RANGER 



