 Over much of Wyoming's range lands, the biggest factor limiting use by both wild and domestic animals is a lack of available water. Ranchers and government agencies often install water developments, like this stock pond behind me, in an effort to bring water to otherwise dry areas. Livestock and wildlife are limited to utilizing range lands that are relatively close to water. By spreading water out across these range lands, animals are able to spread their use out over a greater area and utilize forage in areas that they couldn't before because of the distance to water. These water developments can also be used as a livestock distribution tool by providing water where managers would like animals to graze. This can reduce dependence on fencing and herding animals. Of course, these developments also benefit wildlife. By installing water developments, range managers have one more tool to help manage for healthy and productive range lands. From the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service, I'm Barton Stam.