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Public/Private Partnerships – Grazing on Public Lands. Sarasota County, Florida, usually known for its arts, culture, and beautiful beaches, has another side to it of which many visitors and even residents are unaware. Cattle have historically grazed the county since the mid-1800's when early settlers moved to the area. So as not to lose that rural heritage, county commissioners have approved cattle grazing on appropriate lands bought under the county's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). Multiple uses, including cattle grazing, can occur on public lands, provided those uses are compatible with the purposes for which the lands were originally acquired. Similar to prescribed burning and mechanical vegetation reduction, cattle grazing can be a valuable part of a larger land management plan, providing another method for managing public lands in an efficient and cost effective way. County staff identified purchased lands that included improved pasture and, with the help of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), set up a grazing program and asked cattlemen to submit proposals for grazing those pastures. Rather than implement a simple lease, the goal was to ensure that cattle grazing contributed to established land management goals while offsetting management costs through best management practices. In-kind services provided by the cattlemen might include: Fence, road and other structural maintenance, Fire break development and maintenance, Roller chopping for vegetation reduction, Invasive or exotic plant species monitoring and control, Property security, Pasture and trail mowing. These in-kind services will be the main economic benefit of grazing contracts creating a win-win situation for both the cattle producer and the county.