Protection through Conservation

Prof Forbes of the experiment station has originated an idea which, if it proves effective, bids fair to reestablish the cattle industry...a plan to restock the desert land with native grass...to restore the old state with abundance of range feed.

...under reasonable restriction as will prevent waste and destruction. It has been demonstrated that uncontrolled sheep within forest reserves are injurious to the forest growth and to the natural water cover .

The leading objects of the grazing regulations are:

(a) The protection and conservative use of all forest reserve land adapted for grazing.

(b) The best permanent good of the livestock industry through proper care and improvement of the grazing lands

(c) The protection of the settler and home-builder against unfair competition of the use of the range.

The system prevents the grass from being eaten out by other herds or flocks of non-residents, only enough cattle and sheep are admitted upon the reserve to fatten up on the pasturage without damaging it.

Based on entry by Homestead

Individual pasturage rights unless a community allotment then rights for several individuals

The system prevents the grass from being eaten out by other herds or flocks of non-residents, for only enough cattle and sheep are admitted up the reserve to fatten up on the pasturage without damaging it.

The desert is public domain, (unlike lands within forests) stripped of its potential wealth by being used in common, overstocked...Authority should be given the Sec of Ag to classify and appraise the grazing value of lands in these districts to charge and collect a moderate fee for grazing permits, and to make an apply appropriate regulations..of bringing about the largest permanent occupation...by actual settlers and homesteaders

...that forest reserve protection of the summer ranges means an improvement in the condition of his stock and an increase in the profits of his business. During the past season when stock in many range section suffered severely on account of lack of feed and water those who were fortunate enough to have pasturing privileges in the forest reserves were able to get their stock fat while many of the outside stock on overcrowded ranges remained thin in flesh the result being that the stock pastured on the forest reserves were in better demand and sold for more money than those from the outside rangers.

The advantages given in the use of a protected range are considered to be full compensation for the money collected.

The natural pasture on high mountain meadows is fairly good, but there is room for improvement. The native bluegrass does not produce a sod,it grows in bunches A sod or turf is wanted, and some of the meadows will be seeded ...Timothy, redtop, bluegrass, and a clover called Alsike, originally brought from Sweden, will be tried.

...the only interests that have been inconvenienced are those of the stockmen and even they are coming around to the view point that the forest reserves preserve the range and are the ultimate salvation of the western cattle and sheep industries.

"The up-to-date cattleman is working hard on this problem and keeping in touch with various methods of grazing and protection that will add to the carrying capacity of his range."

Prior to the Forest Reserve Act of 1891, and creation of National Forests, 1897: 

Hereafter in the territory of New Mexico, any person that may appropriate and  stock a range upon the public domain of the United States, or otherwise, with cattle shall be deemed to be in possession thereof; provided, that such person, shall lawfully possess or occupy, or be the lawful owner or possessor of sufficient living, permanent water upon such range for the proper maintenance of such cattle.

NM Water Law says nothing shall impair existing vested water rights in accordance with the laws of the Territory of New Mexico,  March 19, 1907. 

NM 72-9-1