Developing water and cross fencing the area to control grazing and protect riparian areas will improve the efficiency of these operations. Changing the current grazing patterns will utilize the existing feed that presently is underutilized and will rest hard-hit areas. GLCI and NRCS are key players in this project, providing technical assistance as well as funding to develop the water and trough systems that are livestock and wildlife compatible. The project is in a multiple use area where management of diverse species is a key to a healthy environment. This in turn decreases the area utilized for grazing by livestock as well as wildlife.
Erosion also occurs, further reducing plant diversity.
This project will use 40 acres for demonstration of brush suppression by intensive sheep grazing. When leaves and twigs are removed from the sagebrush the buds for regrowth are removed as well. Through extensive and flexible rest and rotation, the suppression of the large sagebrush will allow this producer to utilize a larger tract of land more effectively. GLCI is helping with fencing costs. USU Extension will also be an active participant.