Livestock Survey Report at Bryce Canyon National Park

Daw, Sonya

Livestock grazing has affected the natural resources of the area that encompasses Bryce Canyon National Park since the late 1800's. Various impacts on park resources resulting from livestock grazing have continued since the park was established. Although permit livestock grazing in the park was eliminated in 1964 (Scrattish, 1985), gaps in the boundary fence have allowed trespass from livestock on USFS and BLM land bordering a majority of the park's boundary (Figure 1). Records since 1985 show consistent cattle trespass in several sections of the park where fence is either down or non-existent. Most, but not all trespass during this period has occurred along drainages on the east boundary. Since, during years with reduced staff, nothing more than incidental boundary patrols are conducted in the park, many more trespass incidents may have occurred than were reported since 1985, and the problem may be more extensive than realized. Kane and Garfield County fencing ordinances (Appendix A,B) require livestock to be fenced out of an area, meaning that the park, not the surrounding livestock owners or permitters, is responsible for preventing trespass. Trespass from active allotments, therefore, will not be stopped until the fence is completed. In its present state, the boundary fence is in fair condition at best, resulting in yearly impact by livestock, especially in sensitive areas such as meadows and drainages that by nature are more accessible to livestock. The 1990 livestock survey effort had three objectives: 1)Re-survey the complete boundary for current fence condition, 2)Repair minor damage to fence at potential trespass areas, and 3)Patrol active grazing allotments at potential trespass locations and document impacts from any new incidents.

Livestock Survey Report at Bryce Canyon National Park

Collections