Cows, Creeks, and Common Sense

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Cows, Creeks, and Common Sense SCI 362 Abstract The world is desperately trying to keep pace with the growing demand for food, while the environmental movement is desperately trying to reduce the impact of producing food. Part of the environmental concern is the amount of livestock waste around stream banks, the overgrazing of stream banks, and the possible, physical breakdown of stream banks. Judicial power gives the government the authority to put restrictions on certain aspects of cattle ranching as it pertains to the use of waterways, but does it give the right to usurp the judgment and ranching methods of the rancher on his own land? In the interest of protecting the rights of the rancher, there are very legitimate reasons to allow him to continue ranching responsibly the way he has for generations, freely using the streams needed for his cattle. On the other hand, the more depleted the soils become, the more potential for erosion. The more suspected damage is caused by livestock around streams, the more there is a need to find a solution. Off-stream water sources can be a viable alternative to stream-side ranching. This bill tries to present a balanced solution for both sides of the equation and provide a means for off-stream water sources, thus helping to decrease the impact of cattle grazing along streams. Cows, Creeks, and Common Sense There has been quite a bit of concern among environmental groups regarding the health and stability of our streams, creeks, and rivers along which cattle graze. Key issues include erosion, sediment, water pollution, bacteria, and damage to the vegetation along the banks of the waterway. While cattle and ranching are important to the health of our economies, so is clean water to the health of our communities. In the world of “the sky is falling” environmental issues and legislative acts, there must be a

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