212 GRAZING ON WOODLANDS 



4. Topographic features, the season of grazing, the type of 

 forage, and the way in which the animals are handled are the 

 most important factors that determine the degree of injury to 

 tree reproduction. 



5. Damage to the tree reproduction and, indeed, to other 

 vegetation must be expected on stock driveways or trails which 

 are used annually as such for several seasons in succession. Ac- 

 cordingly, such driveways should be located where the timber 

 is sparse or inferior, or where they will be of value in protecting 

 the forest from destruction by fires. 



Conclusions of Regional Application. — i. Because of the 

 rigorous climatic conditions in the Southwest, notably in Arizona, 

 New Mexico, and southern Utah, the better cut-over forest lands 

 should not be grazed by sheep and goats until a satisfactory 

 stand of reproduction, much of it about 3I feet in height, has 

 been secured. 



2. As a rule it is safe to graze cattle and horses lightly on cut- 

 over or other potential forest lands during the period required 

 for reforestation. 



3. In the Northwest, notably in Washington, Oregon, northern 

 California, and Idaho, a satisfactory stand of young timber 

 growth may be expected wherever good grazing management is 

 applied, regardless of the class of stock grazed. The tree repro- 

 duction is generally satisfactory in Montana, Wyoming, and 

 Colorado, provided the grazing is not destructive. 



4. Where trees have been artificially planted, or where, al- 

 though the timber reproduction is greatly desired, the stand may 

 be unsatisfactory, the area, regardless of the locaHty, should be 

 closed to grazing until a satisfactory stand is obtained. 



5. From-^spen range on which it is desired to perpetuate the 

 aspen cover, sheep and goats should be excluded for at least 

 three years after the cutting. The damage to aspen reproduc- 

 tion from moderate cattle grazing is practically negligible; 

 hence cattle may be grazed on cut-over aspen lands until the 

 sprouts have attained a height growth sufficient to make them 

 exempt from serious injury by sheep grazing. This usually 

 requires three years after cutting. 



