Ranchers tell House panel grazing supports multiple use and reduces wildfire risk

Tim Canterbury, President of the Public Lands Council, said federal grazing permits and active livestock management are central to the multiple‑use mandate and to reducing wildfire risk on Western public lands.

“Grazing reduces wildfire risk by more than 40%,” Canterbury said, explaining that targeted grazing and thoughtful rotation help manage fuels that otherwise contribute to catastrophic fire. He told the subcommittee that grazing supports downstream businesses and supply chains and that a large share of the western cattle and national sheep herds spend time on public lands.

Canterbury urged Congress to direct resources to: 1) expand targeted grazing to reduce wildfire risk; 2) provide funding for environmental analysis and timely NEPA/permitting work; 3) reform statutes that he said have been abused to limit active management (he cited the Endangered Species Act and the Antiquities Act as statutes raised in testimony); and 4) set expectations that energy development minimize impacts on grazing so no single use dominates public lands.

Asked during questioning what he meant by "targeted resources," Canterbury clarified he meant "targeted funding" for monitoring protocols and staffing so agencies can complete monitoring and permitting on a timely schedule.

Ending: Canterbury said Congress should use oversight to ensure federal managers follow congressional guidance and to reduce the risk that litigation and administrative delay eliminate grazing as a viable use of public lands.