Forestland grazing units often contain various plant communities with very 

 ditterent forage value ratings. Because ot these differences in forage quantity 

 and quality, livestock tend to concentrate in more preferred areas and avoid 

 others. Livestock will also concentrate in areas that have fewer limitations to 

 grazing accessibility, such as on flat slopes or near water. 



In forestland, cattle prefer to graze in different areas, due to a variety of reasons. 

 Their general preferences in descending order are: 



1 . Open meadows 



2. Riparian areas 



3. Open grasslands 



4. Roads and clearings 



5. Clear-cuts and seeded areas 



6. Open canopy forest 



7. Closed canopy forest 



In forestland, cattle pre/cr to gra^c in diffcri^nt areiLs, due to a variety of reasons. 



If left to follow their own desires, cattle will feed up to 80 percent of the time in meadiiws, riparian areas, and open grasslands. To prevent continual 

 overgrazing, move livestock out of these preferred areas. This can he accomplished by developing water sources in other areas, fencing, salting away 

 from water, herding, removing debris, and clearing trails for easier access. 



Opportunities for structural improvements to distribute livestock in forestlands are often 

 limited due to the large size of grazing units, multiple landowners, variability in terrain and 

 vegetation, and potential impact from timber operations. Carefully consider maintenance 

 costs when designing structural improvements in forestland settings. 



Developing additional water sources is often the most efficient way to redistribute grazing. 

 Livestock will generally not graze far from water, and will avoid areas with no water. Studies 

 show that in steep forestlands, cattle will travel only one-quarter mile away from water. In 

 gently sloping forestlands, they will travel one-half mile away. This explains why areas near 

 water sources tend to become over grazed, but it also demonstrates how adding water sources 

 in other areas can effectively redistribute livestock. The quality of drinking water, slope of the 

 land, ease of travel, and accessibility will also dictate livestock movements. 



Sheep do not prefer riparian areas as much as cattle and are very efficient grazers in forest- 

 lands when herded and managed properly. Grazing sheep may be an effective way to control 

 noxious weeds and undesirable brush in woodlands. 



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Sheep do not prefer ripuriaii areuA as inuth ii,s cattle and are very 

 efficient grazers in forestlands ivhen herded and managed properly. 



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