Current Carrying Capacity 



The current carrying capacity, expressed as available animal unit months 

 or AUM's, is drawn from the condition of the forest's understory vegetation, 

 crown density, and an adjustment based on the amount of the area that will 

 be grazed by livestock (primarily cattle). This adjustment is called a graza- 

 bility factor or utilization cut. 



The available AUM's shown in Table 16 are actually recommended live- 

 stock stocking rates (see the definition of animal units in the glossary). 

 According to the Montana grazing guides, if these stocking rates are fol- 

 lowed, understory conditions will gradually improve. Sound range manage- 

 ment, including grazing during the correct season of the year and proper 

 distribution of livestock over the grazable forested area, must also be ap- 

 plied. 



The total carrying capacity or recommended stocking rate for sampled 

 commercial timberland in Working Circle 3 was estimated to be 127,947 AUM's. 

 Most of this carrying capacity occurred on timberlands with 0-30 percent 

 crown canopies, where shading from tall brush and trees does not inhibit the 

 growth of grazable forage. 



Grazable timberlands within the other private ownership group could 

 support 91,794 AUM's, or 72 percent of the working circle total (see Table 

 16). 



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