Stop rich rancher welfare
Livestock grazing on public land has cost the taxpayer billions. In 2014, the federal government spent $134 million on grazing management, but only collected $17 million in fees. Considering the additional direct and indirect costs not included in the GAO report, it is estimated that grazing may cost the taxpayer over $500 million in 2014. This doesn’t include the local expenses. The states spend millions to monitor and kill wolves and other species at the request of livestock persons. Wolves don’t hurt livestock and people’s livelihood because in most states they are compensated for any wolf predation.
In Washington state, if a rancher has over 100 acres, he/she gets paid double the value of any livestock allegedly lost to wolves. This is a good deal for ranchers. But, there are still some wolf-hating ranchers that don’t care how much they are compensated, they will never compromise. They just want all wolves dead.
If livestock owners want to abuse and neglect their livestock by turning them loose in the wilderness, they should do it at their own risk and expense. People use the public lands at their own risk.
To save the taxpayers a fortune, protect the public lands from damage and solve the wolf controversy; grazing allotments should be permanently retired. Public lands should be for people and the wildlife.
Boyd Lay
Spokane