Being a Steward on Public Land

Leave gates the way you find them. They are there for a reason. Remember that public land is fenced to control livestock grazing. Some areas are important for wildlife or recreation, or some other use, and fences are needed to help keep livestock out. On ranches, fences are needed to control where livestock graze, and to keep the livestock on their own ranch, of course. If the gate was closed, leave it closed, If it was open, leave it open.

Don't shoot at windmills, water tanks, signs, or corrals, Water developments are used by livestock and wildlife, and are very important in managing public lands properly. Your taxes help to pay for water developments, corrals, and signs. Destroying them is a waste of tax dollars. It can also result in the death of many animals due to lack of water.

If you pack it in, pack it out. Litter looks ugly, and it can have serious consequences for livestock and wildlife. Keep a litter bag in your vehicle and be sure to use it.

Leave range animals alone. Disturbing animals causes stress and forces animals to use up energy getting away from you. Drive slowly if you come near animals, and take some time to watch them and learn more about them.

Stay on established roads or roadways. Driving off roads destroys vegetation and causes soil erosion. Public resource management agencies provide maps that show roads that are maintained for general traffic and 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Camp away from established watering places. State law prohibits camping within 1/4 mile of a water development. Camping next to water causes animals to avoid coming in to get a drink. If there is no other reasonably available water, you may cause animals to die.

From: Ranching on Arizona's Rangeland, Winkelman Natural Resource Conservation District