 Grazing Management
STATUS: The future condition and productivity
of rangelands will depend on
grazing management--how effectively and efficiently we care for
our grazing
lands. The following is an estimate by NRCS range personnel of
grazing
management within our District, exclusive of national forest
lands. Three
arbitrary levels of good conservation management
are identified.
Minimum--proper
utilization and possibly deferment; range near practical
potential or else improving at
acceptable rate.
Practical Potential 100%
Percent Now 80%
Percent Left 20%
Moderate--above
plus a planned grazing system with shorter grazing periods,
including some rest and deferment.
Practical Potential 100%
Percent Now 4%
Percent Left 96%
Intensive--above
plus very short grazing periods, long recovery periods,
thorough
distribution and even utilization.
Practical Potential 50%
Percent Now 0%
Percent Left 50%
POLICY: We believe good range conservation
hinges on good grazing management.
Conservation can be achieved at any management intensity--from
an open range
situation to highly complex grazing systems. However, production
can be
sustained on a much higher level (without damaging range resources)
under
more intensive management.
IMPLEMENTATION: In addition to promoting
good grazing management on all
rangelands, we will encourage more intensive management be instituted
wherever
economically feasible.This will allow greater production levels
without sacrificing
our range resources. Proper deferment, rest, and grazing systems
will be promoted
in the District again through an education and information program
and through
the examples we set. Water developments, fences, and control
of wildlife
depredation will also be necessary. The technical services ofthe
NRCS and Game
& Fish Department come slowly and large capital investments
are often required.
As returns on investments tend to be relatively low and slow
in coming, we ask
the Farm Services Agency (FSA) to place a high priority on getting
rangeland
conservation practices implemented on the land through its cost-sharing
program.
|
