POLICY
It is the policy of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance that private sector livestock grazing is an inappropriate use of public lands on the Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest, except where used as an appropriate tool to preserve rare native plant populations. Appropriate use for the preservation of rare plant populations must be based on a management plan incorporating the best available science in an approved Environmental Analysis or Environmental Impact Statement and not include the use of imported feed or grazing in riparian areas. The solution to this problem is to establish a voluntary grazing permit buyout program consistent with the objectives of the National Public Lands Grazing Campaign.
The VWA does not oppose livestock grazing on private land, in compliance with appropriate land use practices and environmental safeguards, for the production and harvest of meat, hides and other animal products.
