The US defended the Homesteader
The government is to protect
"If two or more persons conspire to injure or oppress, threaten or intimidate any citizen in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States...they shall be fined...and imprisoned..." US v Waddell 1894, Page 2-3
Protection for occupants
Protected by US Troops
Sect 7 Details of troops as may be necessary for the additional protection of the reservation.
Section 11 provides for the reasonable rules and regulation for the administration, protection, and occupancy of the reservation.
Section 12 and such regulations as will insure the objects of the reservations, and for the leasing of pasturage,
protection for businesses
Forest Reservations were protected by Rangers. Stockmen wanted this
Protection of the Range
To prevent droves, herds or flocks of animals from trespassing another's range.
Protection from predators
"It is a fulfillment of the promise of the forest service to do something to help settlers all over the west to lessen the losses they have suffered from predatory animals."
two years before forest reserves were transferred to USDA
A survey was sent out by the Public Lands Commission, 1903
In the opinion of the stockmen, would be the most practical method of improving their condition and insuring their permanent utility for grazing purposes.
The stockmen answered
Control based on a Homestead and current laws
Protection through a grazing fee
The US was to protect the permittee from damages from unpermitted stock
