There were 176,700 acres of state and private forested range land in fair 

 or poor condition which, unless the condition of the land is currently improv- 

 ing, need re-evaluation of their stocking rates. Grazable timberland that was 

 rated as good or excellent could also be experiencing overgrazing. 



Forest understories that are experiencing overgrazing should be rested 

 by reducing or eliminating grazing for a period of time. This will allow the 

 natural balance within the plant community to be restored and ultimately 

 increase the forage suitable for grazing. If the understory is not rested and 

 the overgrazing continues, the range condition will keep declining until the 

 forage is virtually worthless for grazing. Overgrazing can also impair the 

 health of livestock, reduce water quality, and adversely affect other re- 

 sources. 



Table 15. Area of commercial timberland by condition class, crown density, 

 and ownership group, Working Circle 3 (thousand acres) . 



Ownership Group 



Working Circle Totals 



165.4 



186.9 



827.7 



1,180.0 



■32- 



