Avoid Conflict-care and Share

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is partnering with the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission (IRRC) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in a new information campaign to prevent and reduce conflicts between ranchers and recreationists. The U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Lands are also partners.

The theme of the campaign is "Care for Idaho's rangelands and share them respectfully with others." The goal is to prevent and reduce conflicts between ranchers and recreationists by increasing awareness of the principles of multiple use of public lands, ranching methods and steps that can be taken to avoid negative interactions. For instance, the agencies encourage recreationists to close gates if they open them to ensure cattle stay in the proper pastures, to keep their pets under control to help avoid confrontations with guard dogs, and to treat private land with respect to ensure continued access.

The "Care and Share" campaign was created in response to increasing conflicts that are occurring as ranchers and recreationists come into more frequent contact in what were once remote areas. As Idaho's population expands, the state's tourism industry grows, and technology advances, increasing numbers of recreationists are venturing farther into areas where ranchers graze their sheep and cattle. Ranchers experience problems such as gates being left open, people riding off existing trails and creating new ones, and private property being abused. Recreationists express concerns about livestock grazing, being approached by guard dogs, and losing access to recreation sites on private land.
"Care and Share" campaign materials, which are being distributed statewide, include brochures, posters and signs. Radio ads are also running throughout Idaho this summer. For more information, go to www.idahorange.org and click on "Care/Share" program.

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page