By Mitch Lies
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
http://www.capitalpress.com/oregon/ml-grazing-permit-act-062012

The U.S. House on June 19 passed legislation to extend the duration of grazing permits on federal lands and streamline the permit-renewal process.

The Grazing Improvement Act, HR4234, would extend the duration of Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service grazing permits from the current 10 years to 20 years.

“This bill would allow Oregon ranchers to focus on investing in their businesses, creating jobs, and responsibly managing the land,” Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., a co-sponsor of the legislation, said in a prepared statement.

The legislation was applauded by the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association.

“The Grazing Improvement Act will be a major step toward providing the kind of stability we need here in Eastern Oregon,” said Bob Skinner, public lands chair for the cattlemen.

The bill was part of the Conservation and Economic Growth Act, a package of 14 bills that passed the House June 19 by a vote of 232-188. The package now heads to the Senate.