The sheep and goats are pastured on the high mountain sides and in the grassy meadows at or above timberline.
Preferences to graze live stock on the forest ranges are for the most part granted to stockmen who own improved ranch property and live in or near one of the National Forests.

The fee for grazing on forest ranges is based on a yearlong rate of $1.20 a head of cattle, $1.50 for horses, $.90 for hogs and $.30 a head for sheep.
At times it is necessary, for short periods, to prohibit grazing on the Government forest ranges.

For example, when mature timber has been cut from certain areas, it is essential that sheep be kept off such tracts until the young growth has made a good start in natural reforestation.

Camping grounds needed for recreation purposes by the public are excluded from the grazing range.

If a shortage of the water supply of a neighboring town or city threatens, or if floods or erosion become serious due to fire or overgrazing of the land, the range is closed to live-stock and allowed to recuperate.