To facilitate more effective and economical grazing use, structural facilities, commonly called range improvements, are installed on the allotments. Some of these improvements, such as corrals and other exclosures, are needed to facilitate the handling of livestock; others, such as wells and spring developments, are to provide water for the livestock and wildlife.  Other improvements, such as fences or strategically located watering or salting facilities, are needed for controlling livestock for effective grazing management, by helping disperse the grazing throughout the allotment (this can improve wildlife habitat too). Traditionally, these types of facilities have been installed as cooperative ventures between the permitee/lessee and the BLM. Many improvements have been installed and are maintained soley by the rancher as permitted by BLM. Many facilities are also located on privately-owned or non-Federal lands within allotment boundaries. In the past, there have been a few vegetation conversion projects on some allotments. Examples include re-seeding projects using either exotic or native species, and brush control projects using either mechanical or chemical methods or prescribed fire. There has been mixed success with all of these projects in meeting expectations. |
The Brawley Pipeline Extension project, located in the Bodie Mountain allotment, involved laying pipe from an existing water tank downhill approximately one mile to a newly placed water trough. The purpose of the project was to provide water in an under used portion of the allotment in order to distribute cattle more effectively. One inch, twenty-one foot galvanized pipe, was hand carried along the pipeline route which was then fitted together. Once fitted, a six inch deep trench next to the pipe was dug to bed the pipe. Finally, the pipeline was anchored with re-bar, camouflaged, and the water trough was hooked up. A special thanks goes to the Inyo U.S. Forest Service crew that helped complete this project.