The percent composition of each understory species was multiplied by its palatabil- 

 ity rating, and the sum of these resultant products was divided by 100 to arrive at an 

 average palatability rating for all understory vegetation. Based on the to 6 scale, 

 average palatability ratings were approximately 1.7 for cattle, 2.0 for sheep, and 2.4 

 for elk--in other words, fair for cattle and sheep, and only slightly better for elk. 

 Because of the widespread occurrence and appreciable amounts of lupine on clearcut 

 areas, sheep grazing might be hazardous. 



Conclusions 



Clearcutting , and thinning of subsequent lodgepole pine regeneration, stimulates 

 forage production that may provide a grazing resource for livestock and big game for an 

 estimated 20 years or more. A harvest of 10,000 acres/year of lodgepole pine in Montana 

 appears probable in the near future. Thus, the lodgepole pine type represents a graz- 

 ing potential of nearly 1/4 million acres on a sustained basis. This impressive grazing 

 potential warrants an upgrading of the less impressive yields (average peak production 

 was about 800-1,000 lbs. /acre) and palatability (fair) of the indigenous plant cover. 

 For purposes of such upgrading, it is desirable to conduct seeding studies on ways to 

 increase forage yields and palatability without adversely affecting timber management 

 obj ectives . 



Where indigenous vegetation is to be grazed, gross estimates of potential produc- 

 tion, and its change over a period of time, are possible with the interim prediction 

 equations presented here. These estimates permit an appraisal of grazing potentials in 

 advance of timber cutting and probably will allow better integration of grazing use on 

 clearcuts with that on permanent range. 



If seeding of clearcuts is contemplated, the prediction equations will be help- 

 ful in the judicious allocation of monies to those sites offering maximum returns on 

 investment . 



10 



