The Butte Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management has released evaluation reports for 18 livestock grazing areas for the 2009 season.

Click here to view the reports.

The assessments are conducted to determine if public lands are meeting the western Montana standards for rangeland health, which include maintaining properly functioning upland and riparian areas, assuring that water quality and air quality meet state standards and providing for biodiversity.

Information from the reports will be used over the winter to analyze renewal of grazing permits and other activities in these areas.

Copies of the reports can also be reviewed by making an appointment at the Butte Field Office located at 106 North Parkmont.  For more information, call Renee Johnson at (406) 533-7630.

The BLM manages 253 million acres, more land than any other federal agency.  This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 western states, including Alaska.