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Rangeland in Eastern Oregon
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The Department of State Lands (DSL) manages approximately 638,000 acres of rangeland located primarily in central and eastern Oregon.
Much of this land is arid or semi-arid and contains vegetation consisting of grasses, grass-like plants, forbs and shrubs suitable for grazing. Therefore, nearly all of the rangeland managed by DSL is leased to ranchers.
DSL currently has 44 leases involving large blocks of rangeland. It also has leases on approximately 100 smaller "isolated" parcels. Together, these leases have a carrying capacity of about 62,000 animal unit months (AUMs).
DSL manages this rangeland under administrative rules (OAR 141-110-0000 through 141-110-0180) adopted by the Land Board in 1994 and amended in 1995. Staff in DSL's Bend office is responsible for administering this rangeland as well as working with the lessee to improve the condition of this asset.
The five major blocks of rangeland in eastern Oregon on which most of the larger leaseholds are situated were formed in 1982 through a major trade of state-owned parcels with parcels belonging to the United States Bureau of Land Management.
They are located:
- near Jordan Valley
- north of Burns Junction (Stockade Block)
- in the vicinity of Wagontire
- in the vicinity of Hampton
- north of Lake Abert
This was done to form units of rangeland that could be much more efficiently managed by both agencies than many smaller, widely scattered parcels.
CURRENT RULEMAKING
For information on the Draft Rules Governing the Issuance of Forage Leases and Livestock Trailing Permits that is progress now please click here.
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Forage Lease Rate Calculation
DSL utilizes a crop share approach to determine the compensation due for grazing rangeland.
The AUM rental rate charged by DSL is derived by the formula "G" x "CC" x "S" x "P" where:
"G" = animal gain per month which is fixed at 30 pounds.
"CC" = marketable calf crop which is fixed at 80%.
"S" = state share which is fixed at 20%.
"P" = is the average weighted calf price based on the USDA Oregon agricultural price data indicating the average statewide sales price of calves for the preceding one year period based on an October through September year.
Since adoption of the administrative rules governing the leasing of state-owned rangeland, DSL's AUM fee has been:
1995 $3.33
1996 $3.43
1997 $2.62
1998 $3.21
1999 $3.72
2000 $3.64
2001 $4.36
2002 $4.52
2003 $4.16
2004 $4.32
2005 $5.03
2006 $5.60
2007 $5.80
DSL manages its rangeland parcels through the use of rangeland management plans. These plans are developed by Department staff in consultation with the lessee and other interested parties such as the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Natural Desert Association, and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife for each non-isolated rangeland parcel. They contain, among other things, grazing schedules by pasture, specific management objectives for the leasehold, and describe lessee flexibility during annual plan operation. Once drafted, the plan is circulated widely for public comment.
2008 Grazing Fee Advisory Committee
Between April and September, industry, conservation, scientific, education and at-large public representatives met to discuss and make recommendations to DSL on establishing formulas for calculating lease rates on more than 630,000 acres of rangeland. DSL is expected to make a decision regarding the committee's report by the end of 2008; more information will be posted on this Web site when the report is finalized.
In 2004, the Secretary of State conducted an audit to determine if DSL was maximizing long-term income from rangeland assets. The audit report directed the agency to “review the grazing fee formula and factors at least once every three years as required by Oregon Administrative Rule.”
.: Additional Information
Public Notice - DSL Seeks Assistance for Rangeland Management Plans for area south of Jordan Valley, February 25, 2009
Press Release - February 11, 2008
For additional information about DSL´s rangeland program, contact the agency´s Bend office.
State-owned land near Juntura
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