tation is typically also of less value to big game animals and provides a 

 lower level of protection for the soil. 



During the past 25 years, the condition of Montana's rangelands has im- 

 proved considerably. It is estimated that about 25 percent of the rangeland 

 was in good to excellent condition in 1950; today we think about 54 percent 

 is in good to excellent condition. 



Range condition of a county or state must be monitored over a period of 

 years to establish a trend, since it may go alternately up and down for short 

 periods as a result of weather and economic conditions as indicated in a re- 

 cent appraisal in Montana. Most of the counties rather severely affected by 

 three years of drought (1972-74) during a period which also experienced a 

 wide swing in economic conditions for livestock production show a downward 

 trend in range condition: 



1. In 1973 high cattle prices encoiiraged many ranchers to increase 

 the size of their breeding herd. 



2. In 1974 and 1975 prices were so low, many felt they couldn't 

 afford to sell so they held over more than usual. 



5. Since 1973 hay prices have been significantly higher, resulting 

 in increased pressure on many ranges, as ranchers try to hold down 

 the cost of winter feed. 



Under such conditions, range which is down in vigor can shift down one 

 step in condition rather readily. 



On the other hand, ranges in good to excellent condition with good vigor 

 were little affected by the drought if the rancher continued good management 

 practices. 



A number of factors and practices have contributed to the improvement 

 which has occurred during the last 25 years. 



Some of them are: 



1. Control of open range horses. 



2. Cross fencing to control grazing. 



3. Stockwater developments to help get better grazing distribution. 

 (SCS records show 38,000 developments on the land — enough to make a 



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