Interior Order Aims to Expand Grazing on Public Lands

(NAFB.com) Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has signed an order aimed at expanding livestock grazing on public lands, improving rangeland health, and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. The order directs the Interior Department and Bureau of Land Management to increase grazing access, including on vacant grazing allotments that ranchers say could provide additional forage. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council support the move, saying it could improve land management and help ranchers rebuild the nation’s cattle herd. NCBA President-elect Kim Brackett, an Idaho grazing permittee, says red tape has prevented ranchers from using important forage on vacant allotments. He says streamlining permits would allow ranchers to manage vegetation and carry out voluntary conservation work. Public Lands Council President Ron Cerri says the order recognizes ranchers as partners in managing federal lands. The groups also point to a 2025 Grazing Action Plan and a f