This is a copy of a forwarded email from out local Fire Chief. Growing up on the East Verde River I remember plenty of cattle grazing through.  The land lease expired years ago but it looks to be renewed for a couple months this early fall. Please read and be aware the cows are coming back!

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To residents along the East Verde River above Second Crossing,

Cattle have been a significant part of the history of the Payson area.  Many of the early settlers in the area were cattlemen and cattle were a big part of the economic base of the area below the Mogollon Rim.  For a variety of reasons cattle have not been pastured in many areas surrounding Payson for a number of years.  One of those areas is along the East Verde River that is referred to as the “East Verde Pasture” of the Cross V grazing allotment.  Many residents enjoy seeing the cattle quietly grazing on the range, others may find them a nuisance when they get into their yards and flower beds.

The purpose of this note is to advise the residents along the East Verde River in the subdivisions of Washington Park, Rim Trail Ranch, Verde Glen, Cowan Ranch and Whispering Pines that cattle will be returning to the East Verde Pasture about August 15, 2015 and are planned to be moved out of the pasture by the end of October, 2015.  Many long time residents of the area are aware and understand that Arizona is an “Open Range” state and if property owners prefer to not have cattle on their property it is the owner’s responsibility to adequately fence their property (A.R.S 3-1426, 3-1427).

Residents who may want help with getting their fences in shape or building a new one may want to contact Fred Henderson – 928-472-6627 or Ty Chilson (Payson Fence Co.) – 928-474-7400.  Both are natives of Payson.  Fred is an individual with many years of barb wire fence building and repair experience and Ty is a licensed contractor and builds most any type of fence except block.  There may be other good fence builders in the Payson area and this is not an endorsement of either one but are two we know and/or have had experience with.

Sincerely,
Ray Tanner
Cross V Ranch