LITTLETON, Colo. — The Society for Range Management (SRM) issued the following statement regarding the authorization of emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The statement may be attributed to SRM President Larry Howery:
“The Society for Range Management, and our technical committees, stand ready to serve as the technical resource and liaison in adjusting current CRP plans; planning for future grazing strategies and management; and ensuring the sustainability of the producers affected by the wildfires and the supporting environment and wildlife.”
“SRM recognizes the importance of the requirements of CRP emergency haying and grazing plans, and urges that adequate technical assistance and follow up be offered to ensure they are followed. SRM certified professionals in range management and certified consultants are available to contribute to this workload.”
“The CRP lands authorized for grazing include primary nesting habitat for the Lesser Prairie Chicken. SRM is confident the USDA Farm Service Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and producers in the region will work together to ensure this critical habitat is managed for, while providing much needed grazing space for livestock.”
“SRM will remain in communication with the agencies involved and the producers and land managers on the ground to ensure all available resources and technical information are made available to those in the affected region.”
–Society for Range Management
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