In the cooperative project, the Conservancy compensates Kelly when the grass is not harvested for hay. The associated wildlife and insects of the ecosystem are the winners, receiving the opportunity to prosper. The trees are piled and will be burned, Whisenhunt said. Sections of the river bottom may be burned to completely remove old grass, shrubs and dead timber. Forbs, she explains, are herbs and flowering plants.
Cattle graze the wooded river bottom during the dormant season.
The action breaks up the grass mat and the hooves stomp grass seed firmly into the soil. In order to understand what ranchers are up against as they try to make a profit while being good stewards of the land, we often own and operate the land. We want to be a player. We hope in turn to use what we learn to help them. We'll never own enough land to make a significant difference by ourselves.