H.R. 2966
Radanovich Introduces Right to Ride Bill
Legislation Preserves Heritage of Livestock on Federal Lands
July 25, 2003

Washington, DC – Congressman George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) introduced today the Right to Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act. The bill preserves and facilitates the continued recreational use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service and Forest Service lands.

“Livestock use on federal land has a long tradition in American culture,” Radanovich said. “Riding livestock is a great way to explore and experience our federal lands, and must preserve our riding heritage. Unfortunately, livestock use is under fire from national environmental fund-raising organizations who seek to restrict access to federal lands.”

The bill preserves pack and saddle stock use as a natural way for visitors to enjoy federal lands. Families, scout and church groups, senior citizens and the disabled all use livestock to explore the backcountry.

“Our lands were first explored and established using horses and mules, from President Teddy Roosevelt to Sierra Club founder John Muir,” Congressman Devin Nunes (R-Visalia) said. “To restrict that use is to turn our backs on our heritage.” Nunes is an original co-sponsor of the legislation.

“Government agencies don’t always recognize stock users’ right to use public land, Visalia attorney Richard Cochran said. “This legislation recognizes that historical use and works to safe guard it.” Cochran helped craft the bill and is the former chair of the state Public Lands Committee for the Backcountry Horsemen and the current chairman of the Wolverton Pack Station Committee.

Click here for a full text of the bill in PDF fromat