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Commission approves concept for trial grazing on RDA land in Dutch John using virtual fencing
Summary
After a lengthy technical briefing, the commission voted to support in concept a trial grazing program on RDA-owned land north of private parcels in Dutch John using GPS-based virtual fencing, contingent on Forest Service and town approvals and on clarifying water, AUM and permit issues.
The Daggett County Commission approved in concept a proposal to allow grazing on Redevelopment Agency (RDA) property in Dutch John using GPS-enabled virtual fencing and animal collars, subject to conversations with the U.S. Forest Service, the Town of Dutch John, and neighboring landowners.
Gilbert Wall, who identified himself as "Gilbert Wall with Indian Trail Ranch," presented the virtual-fence system and explained how GPS collars create polygon boundaries that beep and — if ignored — deliver a corrective stimulus. He demonstrated tracking features, training metrics for animals and mapping tools that show herd locations over time. Wall said collars cost roughly $250 each and that annual connectivity/service costs run in the low five figures (discussed around $18,000–$20,000) depending on scale. He offered to assist with spring redevelopment and water distribution improvements if grazing proceeds.
Commissioners and presenters discussed logistics — including trial sizes (starting small, e.g., 50 head, up to several hundred), water availability, AUM accounting and permit compliance, effects on appearance in the town, and potential fire-fuels benefits from periodic grazing. Several members urged careful mapping of allotment boundaries and a trial year to evaluate ecological and operational effects. Committee member (S2) moved to approve the concept for grazing north of private property in Dutch John, contingent on town and federal approvals; the motion passed by voice vote.
The commission directed staff to work with the presenters, Dutch John officials and the Forest Service, to return with a plan that addresses permit, water and insurance issues before any cattle are placed on RDA land.
