CHAPTER X 



GRAZING ON WOODLANDS AND ITS RELATION TO THE 

 FUTURE TIMBER SUPPLY 



For many years an active and careful study of the best use 

 to which lands of different classes may be put has been made by 

 Federal and State agencies and institutions. Farming, grazing, 

 and timber growing are the principal uses of land for crop pro- 

 duction. Farming is the most intensive and timber growing 

 the least, with grazing midway between. In most systems of 

 diversified farming they are combined, especially farming and 

 grazing. Not uncommonly, however, grazing and timber grow- 

 ing are combined, as on the National Forests, on cut-over lands, 

 and on the farm woodlot. 



Much has been said and written relative to the wisdom of 

 grazing stock on timbered lands, especially where there is need 

 for tree reproduction. Most of the lands that are now pro- 

 ducing a good stand of timber are probably more valuable for a 

 continued production of timber than for any other purpose. 

 In many regions growth is rapid, the quality of the lumber pro- 

 duced is good, natural reproduction after cutting is satisfactory 

 where the lands are properly handled, and the timber crop is 

 generally accessible. However, the livestock industry is of 

 primary importance throughout the timber region of the West, 

 and the greater part of the forest area is utilized as pasture in 

 the spring, summer, or autumn. 



The utilization of the forage on the better-timbered areas, 

 especially on important watersheds, has complicated the pasture- 

 management plans. Many instances are recorded of the seed- 

 ling and sapling stand being badly injured by grazing. In some 

 places this has resulted in a depletion of the normal timber 

 growth, in the production of deformed and diseased trees, and 

 in injury to important watersheds. The most serious damage 



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