Coordinating fence law with range management strategies in the USA

Abstract

In areas where livestock production predominates, a ‘fence-out rule’ as opposed to a ‘fence-in rule’ has been advocated due to perceived economic advantages associated with open-range livestock production; people desiring to have no livestock on their properties need to construct fences. Yet a region's total economy may be enhanced by moving away from established fence-out and cost-sharing rules. With changes in public perceptions of property rights, advances in technology, and the acquisition of new scientific information, fence rules should be expected to evolve. This paper articulates political, economic and scientific considerations in the USA that may be contemplated by citizens and elected officials for altering directives controlling livestock. To promote economic efficiency and social well-being, the paper advocates the scrutiny of existing fence-out and cost-sharing rules in a region to determine whether alternative rules should be preferred. The demise of fence-out rules in some areas in the USA and other countries could help achieve a more sustainable use of range resources.