BIDDING WARS

Environmental Group Sets Its Sight on Northeastern Arizona State Grazing Lease -
Says it will not pay for improvements that were not paid from personal funds

According to Forest Guardians, cattle grazing has degraded the riparian corridor within the grazing lease area. The group intends to “restore the proper functioning of the river” by eliminating livestock grazing and planting cottonwoods, willows and other native riparian vegetation. (Response 4, Internet-posted statement of equity)

The Cowboy Myth Dispelled

The Knights are a seven-generation ranching family who began leasing and managing Arizona state trust land as early as 1952. The Knights have been ranching this state lease, with an adjoining state lease, since 1978. They own and live on a 160-acre homestead that is contiguous to State Lease No. 1662, the subject of the conflicting application. There, they raised their three boys.

The Knights, their sons and daughters-in-law hold degrees in disciplines such as Farm and Ranch Management, Agribusiness, Conservation Biology, and Environmental Resources. With their collective expertise, you can imagine the Knights’ surprise when they were informed of Forest Guardians’ conflicting lease application - and subsequent statement of equities alleging “a disturbing trend which the current permittee is unwilling or unable to adhere to grazing standards set forth by the forest service for the health of the ecosystem. It is also apparent that riparian areas are a smorgasbord for his livestock production to the detriment of wildlife, watershed health, and water quality.” (Response 20, publicly posted statement of equity)

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