From The Capitol-Press

Bend, Ore. (AP) – Environmentalists are gaining support for their efforts to turn a 32,000-acre piece of desert wilderness area into a federally protected land.  One rancher even says he might give up his grazing rights on the Badlands Wilderness Study Area.

“A permittee should have the option of permanently retiring his permit if he sees fit,” said Ray Clarno, a local rancher who has a 16,000-acre allotment and one of the three grazing permits in the Badlands.

Permits are attached to deeded land and carry monetary value when property changes hands, which is one reason ranchers may be reluctant to give them up.

Clarno said he’s in favor of federal protection, as Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., recommended to President Clinton recently, because such a designation would better control the area.

“I’m interested in anything that will get the motorized vehicles off there,” Clarno said.  “People cut fences, cut trees, dump garbage, and there’s too much off-road vehicle activity.”

“A lot of people come out and hike and enjoy it. But the illegal activities have increased significantly. A lot of it has to do with population pressures. It’s going to get worse rather than better.”

Bill Marlett of the Oregon Natural Desert Association said the land, which supports mule deer, elk, antelope and other wildlife, is not especially good grazing land.

“From a rancher’s perspective, it’s probably the most pathetic land you’ve laid your eyes on. But it’s great wildlife habitat.”

He and other environmentalists continue to embrace the prospect of a
cattle-free Badlands.