S2787-119

What This Bill Does

The bill changes FLPMA section 402(a) by replacing a reference to lands within National Forests with a broader reference to National Forest System land. Because the National Forest System definition includes National Grasslands, the change clarifies eligibility for grazing leases and permits on grasslands. It also states that the amendment does not alter other FLPMA provisions, title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, or section 11 of the Public Rangelands Improvement Act.

Who Benefits and How

Ranchers using National Grasslands benefit from clearer eligibility for grazing leases and permits. National Grasslands permit holders benefit from statutory language that matches the broader National Forest System definition. Forest Service grazing managers benefit from clearer authority when administering grasslands grazing permits. Rural livestock communities benefit from less uncertainty around federal grazing access on National Grasslands.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Forest Service grazing managers must apply the amended FLPMA language to National Grasslands permits and leases. Ranchers must still comply with existing FLPMA, Bankhead-Jones, and Public Rangelands Improvement Act rules. Public lands oversight offices must ensure the change does not spill into other National Grasslands authorities. Environmental reviewers may need to account for clearer grazing eligibility when reviewing grasslands management decisions.

Key Provisions

• Amends FLPMA grazing lease and permit language to cover National Forest System land instead of only lands within National Forests.
• Clarifies National Grasslands eligibility for grazing leases and permits through the National Forest System definition.
• Provides savings language preserving other FLPMA provisions, title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, and Public Rangelands Improvement Act section 11.