Using these figures,
forage consumed by livestock on our Public Lands in Utah could
support 1,077,155 deer or 230,818 elk - not to mention numerous
birds and mammals currently lacking habitat.
The DWR 1998 - 2003 Strategic
Plan states that Wildlife Associated Recreation produced $1.15
billion in economic output in 1996 and provided 18,353 jobs.
In an economic study entitled "The Economic Importance of
Federal Grazing to the Economies of the West", Thomas M.
Power, Chairman of the Economics Department of the University
of Montana showed that jobs related to Federal Lands grazing in
Utah totaled 1,805. Data from the State of Utah Agricultural
Statistics database showed that in 1996, gross income from sheep
totaled $26,697,000 while in 1998 cash receipts for cattle totaled
$303,100,000. According to the Powers report, only a fraction
of this is from Public Lands. Obviously, greater economic potential
lies in wildlife use of our Public Lands.
The DWR 1998 - 2003 Strategic
Plan also indicates that hunting is declining in Utah because
of an aging population and reduced opportunity. Utah has one
of the youngest populations in the nation and with 34,000,000
acres of Public Land should have increased opportunity, not less.
Where is the logic in just accepting this point of view?
I quit hunting and now seldom
go wildlife watching in the National Forest because I am so disgusted
with hiking around among cattle and sheep in dust, flies, manure,
polluted water and poor habitat. Instead I collect data, document
damage and work for change. How about you?
It is time Hunters and Wildlife
Supporters drew the line and demanded an end to antiquated wildlife
management that caters to a handful of livestock producers.
It is time they quit supporting the status quo and sportsmen's
groups that cater to the rich and privileged and who do not call
for more of the potential of our Public Lands to be dedicated
to Wildlife - not livestock! Willow Creek Ecology is - Join
Us!
Dr. John Carter, President
Willow Creek Ecology, Inc.
P.O. Box 280
Mendon, Utah 84325
Wce@sisna.com or 435-753-6062