WWII to 1960s

Era of Change, Growth and the Seeds of Discontent

Government Changes

Booming economic times meant that government finally had the manpower to define and regulate the Grazing Act of 1919. Rules were made about when cattle could be turned out on crownland and for what length of time.

The Agricultural Land Development Act provided low interest loans to land owners for clearing, irrigation and land drainage.

Several thousand wild horses were eliminated from the Trench.

The government began systematic forest fire suppression.

The Christmas Tree Industry was developed, giving ranchers another source of income.

Modern wildlife management methods were introduced, eg. more control over hunting regulations according to current ideas about animal harvesting.

Mechanization

Ranchers purchased tractors and equipment.

Availability of electricity enabled ranchers to improve their irrigation systems.

Other Changes

The wildlife populations grew so significantly during this time that the Trench became known as the "Serengeti of North America". As a result, the guide-outfitting industry began to blossom.

For the first time, ranches began to become independent operations. Ranchers no longer worked out to pay the bills created by ranching.

A new era of logging opened up access roads into higher country that enabled cattle to reach new grazing areas.