BLM Livestock Grazing Ephemeral Range Rules Arizona, California, and Nevada Published in the Federal Register, Vol. In accordance with 43 CFR 4115.2-4 regarding special rules for grazing districts and pursuant to the receipt of recommendations of the State Directors for Arizona, California, and Nevada, and a factual showing of its necessity, a special rule for range designated as ephemeral is hereby approved. The region is characterized by desert type vegetation, some of which may be classed as ephemeral only. Ephemeral range does not consistently produce forage, but periodically provides annual vegetation suitable for livestock grazing. In years of abundant moisture and other favorable climatic conditions, a large amount of forage may be produced.
Favorable years are highly unpredictable and the season is usually short-lived.
A minor percentage of the total plant composition is made up of desirable perennial forage plants, and potential to improve range condition and produce a dependable supply of forage by applying intensive management practices is lacking. Applicable allotments or use areas shall be formally designated by the District Manager as ephemeral range. An annual application by qualified licensees or permittees is not required unless grazing use is desired. On a year to year basis whenever forage exists or climatic conditions indicate the probability of an ephemeral forage crop, livestock grazing may be authorized upon application, pursuant to any management requirements for the allotment. This special rule shall immediately apply to the Phoenix, Safford, and St. George Districts in Arizona, the Bakersfield District in California, and the Las Vegas District in Nevada, upon recommendation for adoption in the District by the respective District Advisory Board and concurrence by the State Director.