GRAziNq MANAqEiviENT For tIhe Dormant Season ancJ WInter FeecJ Areas 



In general, grazing use levels of herbaceous plants during the dormant season (October through April) can be higher than during the growing 

 season without significantly stressing the plants. Consider the following factors when planning dormant grazing use: 



• Amount of plant cover needed to protect soil resources. It is important to maintain ground cover to decrease the amount of soil exposed to 

 wind and water erosion. 



• Physical damage to plants if they are grazed too close. The crown ot the plant must remain intact, as that is where the growing points are. 

 If this is removed, the opportunity for the plant to begin growth in the spring is gone. It is also important to maintain enough cover to pre- 

 vent the crown from being frozen, especially if there is not a snow cover to serve as insulation tor the plants. 



• The amount of plant height and cover 

 needed to trap snow and retain moisture. 



• Periods of warm weather may break true 

 dormancy and grazing must be managed 

 accordingly. 



• Targeted grazing use levels during the 

 dormant season should not exceed 65 

 percent use of current year's growth unless 

 special considerations are given for higher 

 use levels. One caution against higher use is 

 that livestock will often select woody browse 

 when herbaceous plants are dormant, which 

 may lead to over use. Protect deciduous trees 

 and shrubs by limiting grazing access when 

 woody plants have green leaves at the begin- 

 ning or end of the dormant period. 



• Place feed and mineral sites as far as pos- 

 sible from riparian areas or watercourses. 

 Traditionally, winter feeding areas have been 

 located along streams for a dependable source 

 of water. Development of year-round off- 

 Stream stockwater will reduce trampling 

 damage and buiklup ot manure within the 

 riparian area. 



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