Trump administration proposes expanding grazing access on national grasslands, Hoeven says

NORTH DAKOTA (Valley News Live) — The Trump administration has proposed expanding access to grazing on U.S. Forest Service lands, including North Dakota’s national grasslands, according to a statement from Sen. John Hoeven on Nov. 10.

Hoeven, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, said the proposal is meant to make the Forest Service a better partner to ranchers who rely on federal land to graze their herds.

What the proposal would do

According to Hoeven’s statement, the proposal would:

• Clarify and streamline permit eligibility and rules across the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
• Create targeted, outcome-based grazing authorizations to address grass buildup and reduce wildfire risk.
• Help put vacant grazing allotments to use.
• Expand opportunities for beginning ranchers to get grazing permits.
• Extend livestock use permits for up to five years and allow flexibility for temporary livestock use.

Hoeven called the proposed Rangeland Management Rule “a good step” and said grazing supports local economies and healthier grasslands and helps reduce wildfire risk.

Section line access in the Little Missouri Grasslands

Hoeven said he is also working with the Forest Service to revise the Travel Management Rule for the Little Missouri Grasslands so section line rights-of-way are available to ranchers who need to reach their cattle on federal land. He said he has raised the issue with administration officials, including Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.

Hoeven said he secured a commitment from Schultz to work with North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and local grazing associations as the new rule is developed.