29 Questions
What was John McKeen's initial source of income?
Working for a cattle outfit
How did John McKeen spend his days on the Blue?
Riding hard all day and doing farm work
What was the common practice among the early Blue River ranchers regarding cattle care?
Leaving cattle to care for themselves on an unfenced range
Where did the Blue River ranchers take their cattle for market?
Magdalena, New Mexico
What distinguished the Blue River ranchers from other large cattle outfits?
They cooperated as neighbors to build up their enterprises.
What characterized the settlers who made their start on Blue River?
Striving to build up their own enterprises
Why was land without water considered useless for homesteading?
Livestock could not survive without access to water sources.
What was the significance of the 160-acre section chosen by pioneers under the Homestead Act?
It was often located near important water sources.
In what way did the public domain land differ from the privately owned quarter sections under the Homestead Act?
Public domain land was available for free grazing.
What role did livestock play in the livelihood of many settlers in the American West?
They served as an alternative means of making a living.
Why did settlers along the river have unimpeded usufruct of the unoccupied grazing lands around them?
Because the public domain land was considered a 'commons'.
What was the primary reason behind settlers turning to livestock as a means of livelihood in the West?
Lack of access to arable land under the Homestead Act.
How did settlers initially manage grazing their cattle even if they did not own enough land?
'Open range' policies allowed them to use unoccupied lands for free.
What did John Wesley Powell predict would be a challenge for settlers who relied on farming alone?
Insufficient land for successful crop cultivation.
What is the main critique mentioned in the text against the evidence used by those who oppose grazing?
The studies do not consider the effects of unmanaged livestock.
What ecological benefits are associated with controlled grazing compared to no grazing?
Reduced plant mortality during drought.
What does the text suggest about moderately grazed mid seral rangelands compared to lightly grazed rangelands?
Moderately grazed rangelands have higher wildlife species diversity.
What key factor is highlighted in the text regarding livestock grazing that leads to ecological benefits?
Implementation of controlled grazing practices.
What is the primary issue raised by Jerry Holechek regarding the evidence used against grazing?
'Dishonest comparison' between controlled and uncontrolled grazing effects.
What is the main argument of some wildlife biologists regarding grazing and biodiversity?
Grazing enhances biodiversity under certain conditions.
According to grazing defenders, how do they perceive the relationship between livestock grazing and endangered species?
There are few cases where it can be demonstrated that cattle or sheep endanger endangered species.
What do ranchers believe is the benefit of their care of the range for wildlife?
It creates a safe haven for wildlife.
What is the 'intermediate disturbance hypothesis' mentioned in the text related to grazing?
Disturbances like grazing contribute positively to maintaining species diversity.
What is one of the examples cited in the text where cattle have been claimed to benefit certain species?
Cattle have helped some species like the Southwestern willow flycatcher.
Why have ranchers reacted strongly to the charges made by environmentalists about livestock grazing?
Because they believe keeping their grazing land in good shape is essential for their livelihood.
Which statement best summarizes the opinions of ranchers regarding their role in land stewardship?
Ranchers admit to damaging the land in the past but argue they are good stewards of the land today.
Why is the attack on grazing mainly based on environmental concerns according to the text?
Because environmental groups are concerned about the alleged damage caused by livestock to the environment.
How do economic arguments play a role in the grazing controversy according to the text?
Economic studies comparing private and public forage costs have been inconclusive, with a 'wash' result.
What do data from Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management indicate regarding range conditions over the years?
Data indicate a general improvement in range conditions over time.
Test your knowledge on the advocates of farming in the American West, their goals to strengthen the country's agrarian base, and the debates around dry farming versus irrigation. Explore the views of historical figures like John Wesley Powell.
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