Changes in Grazing Rule

Re “Weaning West’s Ranchers Off ‘Cowboy Socialism,’ ” editorial, Aug. 27:

The editorial is based on a number of factual inaccuracies resulting in a poorly informed opinion that misleads your readers.

The Public Rangelands Management Act has been passed out of the Senate committee and is awaiting action on the floor. Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) has indicated his willingness to continue to work with his colleagues to craft good legislation and we support him in that effort.

You repeat unsubstantiated claims by opponents to the legislation as though fact. When all else fails, read the bill. You will find, for instance, numerous provisions supporting multiple uses of federal lands and specific protection of hunting, fishing and recreational activities. The notion that ranchers are paying only a fraction of a fair grazing fee on federal lands is without factual basis. They are paying a fee that is equal to the fair market value of federal lands forage--forage which, unlike private land forage, comes without any amenities such as exclusive access, water development, range improvements, oversight, care and feeding of the livestock, etc.

You denigrate the common sense of ranchers who are unwilling to pay more than the fair market value for the product they are receiving from the government. I doubt many of your readers would find this to be egregious conduct, as you seem to. You state that most federal lands ranchers are “wealthy absentee landlords.” Come on! These ranchers average about $28,000 in income a year by working arduous days that few office dwellers could tolerate.

Your wishful thinking that federal lands ranching must function in a market economy completely disregards the fact that half of the West is federally owned. There is no market economy on federal lands.

If you wish to join us in ending this federal monopoly of productive lands, then we can work together on that important goal. Until then, don’t blame the rancher for the heavy hand of the Feds.

WILLIAM G. MYERS III

Director, Federal Lands

National Cattlemen’s Assn.

Washington