Volume 1 - Resource Management
Chapter 3 - Range Management

Policy 3.10 - Commensurability

Effective Date: 31-Jul-97
Responsible Branch: Forest Practices Branch

Resource Management Volume Table of Contents | Amendment Log

Scope

This policy covers the requirements for commensurability of grazing tenure holders and applicants.

Policy

Applicants for grazing tenures must be commensurate. Tenure holders must maintain full commensurability throughout the term of the tenure, including renewal or replacement tenures ( Range Act, s.5-9).

Evaluation of Commensurability

To be commensurate, the forage production capability of existing appurtenant tillable lands under local agronomic management practices, and the current forage production of unimproved appurtenant lands must be sufficient to produce enough usable forage to feed the livestock authorized under the tenure when Crown forage is not available.

The District Manager will consider local agronomic management practices in the evaluation of forage production capability on tillable appurtenant land.

Hay cutting licences and permits may be credited for their authorized use in the determination of commensurability. They must remain valid during the grazing tenure period.

Exceptions

Specific stock ranges or forest districts may be exempted partially or completely from commensurability by the Regional Manager after consultation with the livestock association.

Commercial horse operators may also be exempted, with the approval of the District Manager.

Appurtenant Lands

Appurtenant lands are lands in B.C. which include

  • private land owned by the tenure holder or applicant
  • land leased from the Crown
  • land under private lease
  • land leased from the Federal government
  • Indian reserves

Leases must remain in effect throughout the grazing tenure period.

Maintaining Commensurability

With the Regional Manager's prior written approval, tenure holders may delete appurtenant land, provided commensurability is maintained.

If a tenure holder loses control or disposes of some or all appurtenant lands without prior written consent of the Regional Manager, the Regional Manager may cancel the grazing tenure without notice ( Range Act, s.35).

Transfer of Tenure

When a tenure holder submits a request for transfer and the tenure is found to be non-commensurate, the tenure holder will be allowed to transfer only the commensurate portion of the tenure (Range Regulation, s.11).

When a request is made to transfer part of a tenure, the existing tenure holder's appurtenant lands must be commensurate with the portion of the tenure retained, and the proposed tenure holder's appurtenant lands must be commensurate with the portion of the tenure transferred.

References