Rangeland and Grazing
Bowe Meadow
Colville National Forest Range Program Overview
The USDA Forest Service manages livestock grazing as an important and long-standing multiple-use program on the Colville National Forest (CNF), which encompasses approximately 1.5 million acres across Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille Counties in northeastern Washington.
Grazing on the Colville National Forest has been a part of the region's cultural and agricultural heritage for well over a century. It continues to play a vital role in supporting local ranching operations and rural communities. Today, authorized livestock grazing provides sustainable forage opportunities while contributing to the economic stability of northeastern Washington's agricultural industry.
Approximately 75% of National Forest System lands on the CNF are included within grazing allotments, demonstrating the significance of grazing as an ongoing and valuable use of forest resources. Through careful planning and management, livestock grazing is conducted in a manner that is compatible with other forest uses, including recreation, wildlife habitat, timber management, watershed protection, and conservation objectives.
History of Grazing on the Colville National Forest
Livestock grazing has occurred on land now managed by the CNF since the late 1800s. During this period, livestock use expanded rapidly across the west and northeastern Washington.
The Colville National Forest was established in 1907, and the first Forest Service grazing permit was issued in 1911. During the 1920s through the 1940s, livestock numbers remained relatively high, with cattle commonly grazing lower elevations and sheep utilizing higher-elevation summer ranges, including portions of the Kettle Crest.
Most sheep grazing ended during the 1950s, and cattle now account for nearly all authorized livestock use on the forest.
Over time, scientific research, monitoring, and advances in range management have helped shape modern grazing practices. Today's grazing program incorporates adaptive management, pasture rotations, utilization standards, and resource protection measures that support the long-term health and productivity of forest ecosystems.
The CNF currently administers approximately 80 active grazing allotments.
Today, grazing remains an important use of the Colville National Forest. Through permitting, monitoring, allotment planning, and adaptive management, the Forest Service works with permittees to maintain productive rangelands, support rural communities, and conserve natural resources for present and future generations.
New Range Opportunities
The Colville National Forest has six vacant cattle grazing allotments available for allocation through the grant‑priority process. This solicitation announces the opportunity for potential applicants to be considered for a term grazing permit. Due to the administrative combination of the Empire and Henry Creek allotments, five-term grazing permits will be issued for the six-allotments being advertised. Term grazing permits are issued for a period of 10 years and may be issued to individuals or entities that meet all eligibility and qualification requirements. Timeframe for responding to the Applicant Evaluation Criteria will be from November 16th to January 11th.
Prospective Permittees
Bamber and Henry Creek Empire Allotment Map
