Grazing on the Arizona Strip: Catchment History and Repair

Authors

Melanie Heaton, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

4-15-2024

First Page

1

Last Page

4

Abstract

Water, not forage, is the limiting factor for wildlife and livestock grazing the Arizona Strip, a nearly 3-million-acre piece of land located north of the Grand Canyon and south of the Utah border. Since springs and groundwater are rare or absent, harvesting of natural precipitation is the main source of water for animals. Catchment systems, which capture precipitation on a sloped rubber apron and contain it in a large tank or lined pond, are used by government agencies and grazing permittees to efficiently provide water for wildlife and livestock. As catchments reach the end of their useful lives, tank replacement costs are high, and repair options are limited. Coating steel or concrete tanks or troughs with potable, water-safe epoxy is an economical, effective means of extending their usable lives for many years.

Recommended Citation

Heaton, M. (2024). Grazing on the Arizona Strip: Catchment history and repair [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.