Habitat - WECo has reclaimed nearly 6,000 acres of rangeland, and plants approximately 20,000 shrub and tree tublings each year. A diverse mixture of native grass, forbs and shrubs is required for grouse. Grouse have responded positively to these reclaimed habitats by the spontaneous establishment of dancing grounds on the reclaimed lands. WECo's use of both warm and cool season grasses has improved the reclamation for grouse by providing a diversity of grasses that respond differently to climatic variations. Management - Once a diverse mixture of vegetation has been established, proper management is critical to maintain and improve good habitat components.
Proper management benefits both sharp-tailed grouse and wildlife in general.
WECo's most important management tool is a well planned and implemented grazing plan. Grazing is important because it removes, at regular intervals, the accumulated standing litter which would eventually reduce diversity by choking out plants that are not adapted to the thatched conditions. WECo grazes approximately 600 head of cattle each year, utilizing a modified rest-rotation grazing system. Pastures are generally grazed two years out of three and rested the third year. Sharp-tailed grouse dancing on reclaimed land.