GRAziNq MANAqEMENT ON ForestIancIs 



Forested lands can be managed for grazing based on the same principles that apply to other types of range. A few forest characteristics, however, bear 

 special consideration. 



Canopy covERAqE 



in woodlands, forage production is always changing because it is strongly influenced by the density of the tree canopy Herbaceous forage is primarily 

 produced in areas that have been opened up by timber harvest, fire, insects or disease, or in natural or cleared openmgs in the forest. Peak forage 

 production occurs for several years following timber harvest, and then decreases significantly as the tree canopy fills in again. Forage production 

 decreases significantly when the tree canopy exceeds 30 percent cover, and becomes practically nonexistent in canopies greater than 50 percent cover. 

 To manage for both timber and forage production, the optimum canopy cover is 30 percent. 



SElECiiNq kEy areas md kEy spEciES In foRESilAiNcJ 

 qRAziNq unIts 



In forestland grazing units, the location of key forage areas and the 

 quantity and cjuality of forage in these areas changes over time. Grazing 

 strategies must take into account the potential changes in total forage 

 production, quality, and accessibility over time, and balance these with 

 animal needs. 



Identify key management areas to serve as indicators ot grazing manage- 

 ment for the entire unit. Select key species that reflect management 

 objectives and that make up at least 15 percent of the readily available 

 forage. Key species must have high grazing preference for the planned 

 season of use compared to other species within the key area. 



Set target grazing use levels for the key species selected, based on 

 planned grazing periods and rest periods. Conduct management checks 

 at least two-thirds through the grazing period to allow time for any 

 needed adjustments. 



If riparian areas are present within a forestland grazing unit, select key 



areas and species in these areas as discussed in the riparian section. Qr«ing strategies .....m luU^ /„i„„cc.,.,„i ilu- iM,uuual Jumncs in total forage production, 



quality, and accessihility (n'cr time, and balance these leith animal needs. 



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