Physical Location:

22 Bay Tree Road, Building B
Kawaik’a Center (near the baseball fields)

Main Contact Information:

Staff Members

Richard Bonine, Jr., Rangeland Manager

Billy Delores, Range Improvement Technician

Ray Konico Jr., Range Improvement Technician

Delbert Siow, Range Improvement Technician

Nevin Garcia, Range Improvement Technician

Department Overview:

Mission Statement

Scope of Work

The Rangeland Management Program is responsible for the proper management of the following resource areas:  rangeland health, livestock grazing, non-village agriculture and irrigation.  Program services include:  Oversight, and administrative and technical assistance to the Pueblo’s seven (7) Livestock Associations and the Pueblo Livestock Board, management and control of excess feral horse populations; and to facilitate maintenance and repair of rangeland infrastructure.

The department assist the seven livestock associations with equipment, livestock trailers, water tanks for hauling water, livestock squeeze chute, flatbed trailers, livestock panels and assist in converting windmills to solar power (solar plants).  Currently five of the seven livestock associations use USDA NRCS EQP Funding for range improvements such as fencing, waterlines, water storage tanks and drinkers, if the livestock associations need assistance installing or implementing these projects we are here to assist.

In efforts to accomplish program initiatives, federal funding for rangeland and agriculture related projects continues to support our Scope of Work for approximately 375,000 acres of rangeland over 530,000-acres of Laguna Pueblo and lease land.  Currently, the Program administers six (6) externally funded projects, and provides administrative support for two (2) Pueblo funded sub-programs; the Natural Resources Program has the Fence and Windmill crews from the roads and Rangeland Management Program to facilitate maintenance and repair of rangeland structures.

Summary

Rangelands occupy two-thirds of Pueblo land.  A significant proportion of the natural vegetation is native grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, and shrubs, which are often suitable fro livestock grazing.  Generally, the management  of such lands is low intensity and consists of achieving desired conditions through natural processes.

Historically, the Pueblo used most of the land for grazing sheep and won numerous awards in various fairs for their quality sheep.

the sheep were herded by Laguna families.  Often the herders stayed at various sheep camps located throughout the Pueblo.  With the opening of the Jackpile Uranium Mine in the 1950’s, many of the sheep owners chose to work at the mine rather than herd and market sheep.  Today the Pueblo’s livestock operations are focused on raising cattle on the rangelands.

Presently, seven (7) Livestock Associations are authorized to graze approximately 4,000 cattle on land owned by or leased by the Pueblo.  The Livestock Associations are composed of around 100 members that graze cattle on approximately 380,000 acres of the Pueblo.  Each association has its own by-laws and is responsible for range management within their area.  The Rangeland Management Program works closely with the Livestock Associations and other range managers to sustainably maintain these rangelands.

Often traditional rangeland livestock husbandry practices are mixed with modern animal health and breeding practices.  This provides those who participate in the program a tie with family traditions, Pueblo fellowship, a tie to rangeland management, and additional income for family expenses.

Programs/Events:

Documents

Grazing Ordinance 41-04

Trespass Ordinance 32-07

Livestock Board Ordinance

News/Announcements: