Ranching - A way of Life

Ranching - A way of Life. . , The 19th century brought significant changes to this region. In 1843, Captain John C. Fremont explored and mapped this area. By the 1870s, most of the region's Native American inhabitants were removed to distant reservations. Homesteaders arrived in the late 19th century bringing cattle, sheep, and agricultural crops. They established farms, ranches, sawmills, and many of the region's small towns. , Settlers looking for wide-open range settled near Paisley. This fertile land was ideal for raising sheep or cattle and farming feed grains and grasses. By 1870, this small town began to grow and three years later, the post office was established. Paisley's scenic landscape is a reminder of those early days, with many of the local geological features bearing the namesake of early Paisley pioneers such as Harvey Creek, Withers Lake, and Brattain Butte. , Many descendants of early settlers are still in the area today, evident by the area's "Century Farms" – family farms operated for at least 100 years. Families pass their skills and knowledge onto the next generation and new homes are built next to the old. , The local economy is based mainly on cattle ranching, farming, the USDA Forest Service, and recreational tourism. The ZX Ranch, which is headquartered south of Paisley, is one of the largest working cattle ranches in North America and is home to over 100 varieties of birds. Mule deer, pronghorn, bobcat, cougar, and coyote also roam the land. , Ranching is a primary occupation in Lake County. Many buckaroos settled in this area to work ranches and some still ride a horse to get the job done. Night and day, they cared for the cattle, birthing calves in freezing temperatures, and keeping an eye open for predatory coyotes and mountain lions.