Rangeland and Grazing
Overview
The Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland has a multiple-use mission, which includes livestock grazing. Approximately 566,545 of the Ochoco National Forest's 845,498 acres (roughly 67% of the Forest), and 90,195 acres of the Crooked River National Grassland’s 111,379 acres (roughly 81% of the Grassland) are within authorized grazing allotments.
The Ochoco National Forest has 48 active grazing allotments, comprised of 45 cattle allotments and 3 sheep allotments. The Crooked River National Grassland has 16 active allotments, all of which graze cattle but one is also authorized for horses . Combined, the Forest and Grassland are providing forage for approximately 11,000 head of cattle, 2,000 head of sheep, and 20 horses.
Allotment and Pasture Maps
Rangeland Management Resources
- Grazing Permit Administration Handbook
- National Environmental Policy Act Scedule of Proposed Actions
- Rescission Act Schedule for grazing allotment NEPA
Recreation and Grazing on Public Lands
The National Forests are the public's land and are available for multiple uses. These natural resources are treasures and in order to sustain them for future generations these Forests are managed as working landscapes. That means when you are out recreating on a National Forest, you may see a variety of management activities, including timber harvest, prescribed burning, livestock grazing, noxious weed control, and much more.
The Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland is committed to sustaining our public lands. Rangelands are managed, in partnership with permittees, to provide for the long-term health of the environment; including forest and watershed ecosystems.
With that in mind, forest and grassland users may encounter livestock in the woods and can take some steps to safely share our National Forests and Grassland with the animals, while enjoying recreating on these treasured landscapes.
Weed-free Feed on the Forest and Grassland
As part of a larger effort to reduce invasive species on national forest lands, weed-free feed is required in all Pacific Northwest National Forests, the Crooked River National Grassland, and all Oregon and Washington Wilderness Areas. Find our weed-free feed information here.
Recreation Tips in Rangeland
The following guidelines will help you have a positive recreation experience and minimize the potential for conflicts with grazing activities on the National Forest.