consisting of mountain footslope grassland/timber, grassland benches, dry grassland 

 drainage basins, and spring fed riparian/grassland drainages. The major portion of the 

 property is open grassland type. Major grass species are Idaho and rough fescue; 

 bluebunch, thickspike, and western wheatgrasses; and various bluegrass species. 

 Shrub communities are relatively minor in occurrence and are dominated by shrubby 

 cinquefoil, rose, and snowberry. Conifers are found in mostly small patches, 10-30 

 acres in size, consisting of ponderosa and limber pine on drier sites and Douglas fir on 

 northern slopes of steep draws. One timbered area in the southwest corner of the 

 property covers about 350 acres and serves as important winter thermal and hiding 

 cover for big game animals. Approximately one mile of spring fed streams supply a /4 

 acre, man-made pond. Minor amounts of riparian type vegetation species are present 

 along these streams. 



From a wildlife perspective, the primary value of the property is critical winter/spring 

 habitat for a significant portion of the Judith River elk herd. Secondary values include 

 mule deer winter range, white-tailed deer and pronghorn yearlong habitat, black bear 

 spring range, and upland bird habitat. These same vegetation types are utilized by a 

 diverse group of small mammals, birds, and other wildlife. 



The subject land is currently managed by its owners for summer/fall cattle grazing for 

 175 cow/calf pairs, plus several bulls . There are no cross fences; therefore, the 

 2,143.13 acres serves as one pasture. The grazing system has traditionally been 

 continuous and season-long for about 4 months each year. Vegetative condition is fair 

 to good, depending upon historic livestock grazing patterns. Areas near water sources 

 are heavily utilized and are rated in fair condition. Vegetation condition improves 

 significantly as distance increases away from water sources. Overall, approximately 50 

 percent of the vegetative condition, species composition, and general habitat is in good 

 condition. 



Future 



The subject land's shrub, grass, and riparian vegetation are currently in need of 

 improvement in species composition and plant vigor; therefore, the area will initially be 

 rested from livestock grazing for a period of 2 or more years. At the end of the rest 

 period, range conditions will be evaluated to determine if reestablishment of livestock 

 grazing will benefit vegetation and wildlife cover/forage needs. Any future livestock 

 grazing systems will be designed to further improve vegetative cover and forage 

 production/palatability. MFWP has agreed to provide the Hughes Livestock Company 

 the right to match the high bid for grazing for a period of 25 years from the date of 

 closing. This right will be eligible to be exercised in instances where the subject 

 property is advertised under a competitive bidding process. This right will not be 

 transferable in the event that the Hughes Livestock Company sells the company or if 

 the company ceases to be managed by the Hughes family or its heirs. It is projected 

 that vegetative objectives will be reached by 2001 . 



