DEsiqNJNq a GRAziNq MANAqEMENT PIan 



To realize the full benefits of Grazing BMPs, it is important to implement them 

 as part of a grazing management plan. The plan will help manage the iiuensity, 

 frequey\cy, duration, and season of grazing. To develop a successful grazing man- 

 agement plan, be sure to consult with the people who will be affected when the 

 plan is put into action, including the landowner, manager, rider, and lessee. In 

 many cases, it may be advan- 

 tageous to discuss plans with 

 -,;^ neighboring landowners. It 

 may also be beneficial to seek 

 iidvice from technical experts 

 regarding water, soils, plant, 

 \\ ildlite, and livestock issues 

 .1^ rhey present themselves. 



ilurl piwimng by f^atkcring buscimc infunnation about upland ran^c and rif}arian areas. 



FivE Steps to a SuccEssful GRAziNq MAiNAqEMEiNi PIan 



Step 1 - Inventory existing resources and range conditions. 



Start planning by gathering baseline information about upland range and riparian areas. Make a list 

 of grazing acreage by condition. Some agencies are now using a comparison between the existing 

 plant community relative to the desired plant community. However, it may be easier for producer 

 records to continue using the "range condition" concept of poor, fair, good, and excellent condition. 

 A color-coded map of range condition is also helpful. Other items to include in your inventory: 



• Acreage — of pastures/fields, noting existing plant communities — noxious species, key species m 

 each pasture, and current and past productivity. 



• Water sources — streamflow records, well records, and documented water quantity and quality 

 concerns. 



• Facilities — roads, fencelines, corrals, and buildings. 



• Natural terrain features — soil types, major elevation changes, and barriers to livestock move- 

 ment. 



m 



i>eit r/^if^Aic*»^e^ PiA^t^^ct/i (pHr-t) lo\ Cf^vA^A^ 



