Maintain local tax base, while demonstrating productive wildlife habitat is 

 compatible with agriculture and other land uses : 



(1 ) Since historic land use has been limited to livestock grazing, change in tax 

 dollars to Judith Basin County from that source will be minor. The present 

 owners use the property as summer range for approximately 175 cow/calf pairs 

 (700 AUMs). Any loss in tax revenue currently generated by livestock tax should 

 be more than offset by increases to the local economy and tax base created by 

 heightened recreational opportunity and activity as a result of enhancement of 

 the Judith River area wildlife habitat resource. 



(2) The wildlife habitat objective for the property will be to increase the carrying 

 capacity for wintering big game, primarily elk. Spring/summer livestock grazing, 

 prescribed burning, and other vegetative management practices (e.g., chemical 

 fallowing, interseeding, logging, etc.) will be used to treat the vegetation when it 

 is necessary to enhance wildlife habitat. Livestock grazing will supplement the 

 local agnculture economy. 



Other Management Implications : 



(1 ) The subject land is currently managed for annual summer/fall livestock 

 grazing, as are adjacent and/or nearby privately owned lands. Grazing systems 

 are generally continuous and season-long; however, several operators have 

 developed rest rotation or deferred grazing programs. If the Department uses 

 livestock grazing for vegetation management, the system will be designed to 

 improve forage production and palatability for wildlife. Emphasis will be placed 

 on attracting elk dunng the sphng green-up period to reduce elk use of adjacent 

 private lands. 



(2) No increase in Department manpower needs is expected relative to the 

 addition and management of the proposal area. Given the inholding nature of 

 the proposal, some management functions (e.g., fencing and road maintenance) 

 will be streamlined and made more cost effective. Weed control/management 

 activities in the JRWMA and Dipping Vat Coulee area will also be enhanced with 

 the addition of the subject property. 



