A bill that would require managers of state-owned conservation lands such as public parks to consider cattle grazing when developing or updating land management plans was approved in the House Natural Resources & Disaster Committee. The proposal (HB 1421) sponsored by Rep. Jon Albert, a Frostproof Republican, says that any lands determined to be suitable for cattle grazing must be described in the land management plan and allowed to be leased for such purpose. If no portions of the land are deemed “suitable,” the management plan must explain that decision. For wildlife and conservation and just making sure that those goals are aligned.”Five state parks now feature cattle grazing as part of their management plans and maintain cattle grazing agreements: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Colt Creek State Park, Alafia River State Park, Lake Kissimmee State Park, and St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park. In addition, three of Florida’s five water management districts offer Cattle Grazing Land Leasing Programs that allow lease holders to temporarily keep public lands in production while maintaining the property in a manner consistent with the land management requirements, according to a House analysis.