Edit later
If one could afford on Public Lands, the range sold In 1884, $ .25 an acre.
Later, the lands not bought would would be recognized under Taylor Grazing Act.
Grazing Lands that may contain minerals were not sold.
The United States reserved lands for the public that might contain minerals.
January 30, 1865
Federal Government reserved exclusively to the United States all lands that
are construed
as to
embrace mineral lands.
(13 Stat 567)
On Mineral Lands Vested Water Rights Are to be protected.
July 26,1866
On Mineral lands
THE RIGHT TO USE WATER
for agricultural purposes have vested and accrued they
ARE TO BE PROTECTED
in the same.
(14 Stat 251)
On Mineral Lands Ranches were established
March 5, 1875
On Mineral Lands
GRAZING WAS NOT PROHIBITED
(18 Stat 481)
What are Mineral Lands?
If minerals were found on lands, under statute
Grazing was not prohibited.
This opened up Indian Reservations to grazing by both Indians, and settlers.
Below is a story
value to homestead was right to use adjacent public land
"The only value to a homestead in the semi-arid region is the right to use the adjacent public lands for grazing."
160 acres with a house controls 1,000 acres grazing land
Base Property and use of range
"Under the (Homestead) Act of June 11, 1906... Settlement is encouraged in National Forests. Ranchers realize the benefits of residence and.. petitions have been received in National Forests ..for further extension of their area"