. Best management practices for grazing Montana . Grazing; Range management. GRAziNq MANAqEMENT ON ForestIancIs Forested lands can be managed for grazing based on the same principles that apply to other types of range. A few forest characteristics, however, bear special consideration. Canopy covERAqE in woodlands, forage production is always changing because it is strongly influenced by the density of the tree canopy Herbaceous forage is primarily produced in areas that have been opened up by timber harvest, fire, insects or disease, or in natural or cleared openmgs in the forest. Peak forage
. Best management practices for grazing Montana . Grazing; Range management. GRAziNq MANAqEMENT ON ForestIancIs Forested lands can be managed for grazing based on the same principles that apply to other types of range. A few forest characteristics, however, bear special consideration. Canopy covERAqE in woodlands, forage production is always changing because it is strongly influenced by the density of the tree canopy Herbaceous forage is primarily produced in areas that have been opened up by timber harvest, fire, insects or disease, or in natural or cleared openmgs in the forest. Peak forage production occurs for several years following timber harvest, and then decreases significantly as the tree canopy fills in again. Forage production decreases significantly when the tree canopy exceeds 30 percent cover, and becomes practically nonexistent in canopies greater than 50 percent cover. To manage for both timber and forage production, the optimum canopy cover is 30 percent. SElECiiNq kEy areas md kEy spEciES In foRESilAiNcJ qRAziNq unIts In forestland grazing units, the location of key forage areas and the quantity and cjuality of forage in these areas changes over time. Grazing strategies must take into account the potential changes in total forage production, quality, and accessibility over time, and balance these with animal needs. Identify key management areas to serve as indicators ot grazing manage- ment for the entire unit. Select key species that reflect management objectives and that make up at least 15 percent of the readily available forage. Key species must have high grazing preference for the planned season of use compared to other species within the key area. Set target grazing use levels for the key species selected, based on planned grazing periods and rest periods. Conduct management checks at least two-thirds through the grazing period to allow time for any needed adjustments. If riparian areas are present within a forestland grazing unit, select key
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, booksubjectgrazing, booksubjectrangemanagement
