"Livestock grazing occurs at some sites, including Buffalo National River and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, but management decisions around such practices still must meet the high bar of the Organic Act, leaving natural and cultural resources and wildlife unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." - Stephanie Adams, NPCA Wildlife Program Director
Today, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued a Secretarial Order, directing federal agencies including the National Park Service to identify lands that could be made available for either long-term or short-term domestic livestock grazing and then develop a plan to make that land available to private ranchers. It also directs agencies including the National Park Service to review regulations or guidance that could be preventing grazing. When parks including Buffalo National River and Black Canyon of the Gunnison were designated, some grazing was specifically allowed through the establishing statute.
Statement by National Parks Conservation Association Wildlife Program Director Stephanie Adams
“Any changes to how parks are used needs to be in alignment with the restrictions Congress or the sitting President put in place when the National Park Service site was established. Livestock grazing occurs at some sites, including Buffalo National River and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, but management decisions around such practices still must meet the high bar of the Organic Act, leaving natural and cultural resources and wildlife unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. Any expansion of grazing at a national park site where it was previously authorized must also undergo thorough public review to ensure it does not harm natural and cultural resources or the health of park wildlife.”
