Grazing work group members sought
Leasehold management plans to be developed for state rangelands
The Oregon Department of State Lands is looking for members of the public to assist in the development and review of three leasehold management plans on state lands in the Wagontire area.
These management plans establish specific leasehold objectives, set livestock grazing schedules and carrying capacities, and identify current and potential improvements.
There will be one or two meetings in the Burns area along with a field tour in early summer. Meetings are anticipated to begin in early June and be completed by the end of August.
The DSL Working Group Committee will be comprised of members from local government, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, state agencies, local ranchers, the general public and special interest groups. The committee will be no larger than 8-10 members.
Interested individuals should send a letter of interest by May 15 to:
Randy Wiest, Rangeland Manager
Department of State Lands
1645 NE Forbes Road, Suite 112
Bend, OR 97701
randy.wiest@state.or.us
All revenue from leasing state rangelands is deposited in the Common School Fund, a trust fund for public education established at statehood. In 2016, distributions will total about $54.6 million; Harney County’s share will be nearly $100,000.
The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Jeanne P. Atkins and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources. Many of the resources generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist, and unclaimed property. Twice a year, the agency distributes fund investment earnings to support K-12 public schools. The agency also administers Oregon’s Removal-Fill Law, which requires people removing or filling certain amounts of material in waters of the state to obtain a permit.
More information
Randy Wiest – 541-388-6456; randy.wiest@state.or.us (Bend)
www.oregonstatelands.us
