national-forest ranges. But it doesn't work out that way. Indi- 

 vidual users are affected in varying degrees, depending upon 

 whether needed reductions already have been made, upon the 

 extent of overstocking which is still occurring, whether the ranges 

 lie within watersheds that are in deteriorated condition and have 

 easily erodible soils, or where serious floods have originated or 

 are likely. Many ranges will require no reductions at all. 



18. Why can't these proposed reductions wait? 



Postponement of needed reductions required to stop overgraz- 

 ing would cause further range deterioration and necessitate greater 

 reductions at a later date. The longer corrective action is post- 

 poned, the more difficult the cure becomes, especially if the more 

 fertile topsoil is lost. 



19. What consideration is given to the economic and practical 

 effects of proposed reductions on the permittee's livestock 

 operation and on the local community? 



Stabilization of local communities is one of the principles of 

 national-forest administration and policy. In management for 

 economic stability, full consideration must be given to the land, 

 its condition, and its productivity. Unsatisfactory range prac- 

 tices reduce land productivity and adversely affect the prosperity 

 of local people, in the long run. 



The effects of adjustments in grazing on the individual stock- 

 man are carefully considered before any action is taken. Reduc- 

 tions in permitted livestock are resorted to only where no other 

 alternative for correcting unsatisfactory situations can be effec- 

 tively used. 



Reductions in livestock numbers on overgrazed range do not 

 necessarily lower returns from individual livestock enterprises. 

 Research tests, as well as practical operating experience, show 

 that it pays to stock conservatively. Greater and more economical 

 beef production results because the cattle have adequate forage 

 at all times. Studies conducted on the Santa Rita and Jornada 

 Experimental Ranges in Arizona and New Mexico show con- 

 clusively that greater calf crops, greater weight gains, lower death 

 losses, and higher net returns are obtained with moderate range 

 stocking than on similar range with heavy stocking. This same 

 principle has been demonstrated on the Manitou Experimental 

 Forest in Colorado and in several other parts of the West. 



