Petrolia is surrounded by large tracts of original homestead ranches and farms. Cattle ranches include the Deseret, Duda Ranch, Kempfer, and two other major ranches. College facilities include greenhouses, farms, ranches, and an equine center. Deforestation can involve conversion of forest land to farms, ranches, or urban use. There are also many cattle ranches. In time, they spread through the Canoga Park area ranches, farms and beyond. Some began to work in local farms, ranches, and souvenir stands. Aside from some cattle ranches and small farming, the area was mostly uninhabited. Bugas also became more deeply involved in the management of his vast Wyoming cattle ranches. The sport evolved from tasks performed by horses on cattle ranches in the American West. The ranches were devoted to sheep grazing. There are more than 15,000 head of cattle raised on the ranches. There was also a significant ranching operation known as the "76" ranches. Examples include The Lakes, Springs, Meadows, and Arabian Ranches. There are also large mining operations, ranches, and agricultural oases.