The Cariboo-Chilcotin region (long known as cattle country) is home to some of B.C.’s oldest ranches, small and large, situated in every part of the region from east to west and north to south including: Anahim Lake, Redstone, Riske Creek, 150 Mile, 100 Mile, Horsefly, Alkali Lake, Gang Ranch and more.
The grasslands (and timbered area) are plentifully stocked with beef-cattle.
The areas are diverse (vary greatly in specifics) but they have some commonalties and some identical primary needs.
Nowhere can cattle live without the basics; feed, water and shelter (at times).
All of which man can provide, in some fashion; but nature does it best (most economical).
Another commonality is Crown grazing lands; used by most Cariboo ranching operations, leased to graze their cattle (generally summer months).
Also the norm, all of the grazing-users employ fences as a primary management tool (deeded/leased lands).
Most folks are cognizant of that reality on deeded (ranch) land, but many seem unaware that the same holds true for the leased Crown grazing-lands.
Fences are meant to keep cattle contained within a certain area, to make it possible to control their grazing activity; closely monitoring it to ensure optimum health of the grassland or pasture as an overgraze can severely retard re-generation and in the extreme, can cause irreparable damage.
Prepare yourself, it’s time for the BEEF.
Fences on Crown land are not meant (most cases) to keep people out.
But let there be no doubt — they are meant to keep cattle in and are vital to good cattle management practises.
So while an open gate or cut fence may not concern you (enough to close it) — it should!
As Crown (grass) lands belong to all British Columbians, that puts the onus on you to be responsible and not thwart good range-management practises with your careless actions.