3o8 FORAGE ESTIMATES 



ranges or pastures, say not to exceed a few hundred acres, the 

 outstanding grazing problems can usually be solved without 

 adopting a systematized plan of compiling the various factors 

 that influence the best management and utilization of the re- 

 sources. On large holdings, however, especially where the sur- 

 face is rugged and the soil type variable, systematic examination 

 and permanent record-taking are invaluable. A systematized 

 study, designed to secure the data that will lead to permanent 

 improvement in management and to increased profits from the 

 lands, is known as " grazing reconnaissance." 



Object of Grazing Reconnaissance. — Grazing reconnaissance 

 aims to secure all the facts essential to the highest possible use 

 of the grazing resources. Indeed, it has been said that grazing 

 reconnaissance is a mere stocktaking of the forage resources. 

 Although one of the chief aims is to record the character, extent, 

 and accessibility of the various forage types, grazing reconnais- 

 sance goes much farther than that. It shows not only what the 

 resources are and where they are, but what their true value is 

 and how they may be best utilized and improved. For instance, 

 any overgrazed or underutilized parts of a range are definitely 

 located, and on the basis of the data secured effective methods 

 can usually be proposed to remedy various evils resulting from 

 bad livestock management. Certain areas, however, may re- 

 quire special attention or investigation by experts before they 

 can be appreciably improved. 



The problems a grazing reconnaissance seeks to clarify require 

 careful observations as to the topographic features, climatic 

 conditions, need for watershed protection, character and abun- 

 dance of forage, watering facilities, and certain other factors. 

 In addition, the completed reconnaissance classifies the lands 

 into grazing types and shows the forage value of each. Thus on 

 wooded ranges a combined grazing and timber reconnaissance 

 affords a basis for a working plan embracing all management 

 activities. Broadly speaking, grazing reconnaissance may be 

 intensive or extensive. The facts gathered may be recorded in 

 various ways, the aim being to obtain and compile an inventory, 

 as it were, of the grazing assets and liabilities. 



