Seasonal Height-Weight Dynamics of Western Wheatgrass

Mitchell, John E.; Elderkin, R. L.; Lewis, James K.

doi:10.2307/4002272

“…With one exception, visitors' place of residence, the respondent characteristics did not differ between 1992 and 1993 (Pc.05) (Table 1). Even that difference may not be meaningful, given that unrealistically small disparities can be detected with large sample sizes (Mitchell et al 1993).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Visitor Perceptions about Cattle Grazing on National Forest Land

Mitchell¹,

Wallace²,

Wells³

1996

Journal of Range Management

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Visitors to the Big CimarronWatershed in the Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado, had varying attitudes about cattle grazing. Without cuing, 9% of all visitors listed livestock as a source of interference. Local and rural Colorado residents tended to be more agreeable to livestock presence than other visitors in 1992; however, significant differences could not be detected the following year. No relationship existed between the prevalence of a perceived grazingrecreation conflict and visitors' home community size, nor the size of the community where they grew up. Visitors in dispersed campsites tended to be more critical of grazing than those in developed campgrounds. When given a choice, the number of visitors indicating that range livestock added to their stay (34%) was no different than the number stating a negative relationship (33%). Understanding visitor characteristics during range allotment planning may help lessen conflicts between livestock grazing and recreational usage by aiding in plan development and the design of effective interpretive programs.

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“…We propose several hypotheses to help explain the disparity between paired-plot and height-weight forage use estimates. Part of the problem lies, as it usually does with allometric utilization monitoring techniques, in accurately converting height remaining to weight removed (Bonham 1989, Mitchell et al 1993, Laycock 1998. The height-weight technique does not account for the selective way that most ungulates graze individual plants (McKinney 1997).…”

Section: Paired-plot Vs Height-weight Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of 3 techniques for monitoring use of western wheatgrass

Halstead¹,

Howery²,

Ruyle³

2000

REM

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Forage use data can help rangeland and wildlife managers make informed decisions. However, managers need to know if forage use techniques that are commonly used to estimate ungulate herbivory under field conditions produce comparable results. The objective of this 2-year study was to directly compare forage use measurements obtained via the paired-plot method and 2 height-weight methods (using on-site height-weight curves and the pre-established United States Forest Service height-weight gauge). In June, July, and October of 1997 and 1998, we measured forage use of western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii Rydb.) by cattle (Bos taur u s L.) and wild ungulates, mainly elk (Cervus elaphus L.). On-site height-weight curves and the USFS gauge consistently produced lower estimates (overall means = 8 and 7%, respectively) than the paired-plot method (overall mean = 31%). Height-weight estimates did not differ (P > 0.05) when calculated with either on-site curves or the USFS gauge. Within sampling areas, paired-plot estimates were relatively more precise (mean CV = 63%) than on-site curves (mean CV = 238%) or the USFS gauge (mean CV = 271%). Selective grazing likely contributed to higher CVs for heightweight techniques. Our findings are important for rangeland and wildlife managers because the forage monitoring technique they use may influence the results obtained and, consequently, grazing management and wildlife harvest decisions. Managers should ensure that chosen monitoring techniques provide an appropriate evaluation of management goals and objectives.

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“…We propose several hypotheses to help explain the disparity between paired-plot and height-weight forage use estimates. Part of the problem lies, as it usually does with allometric utilization monitoring techniques, in accurately converting height remaining to weight removed (Bonham 1989, Mitchell et al 1993, Laycock 1998). The height-weight technique does not account for the selective way that most ungulates graze individual plants (McKinney 1997).…”

Section: Paired-plot Vs Height-weight Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…3) and sampling periods. Mitchell et al (1993) concluded that height-weight curves changed statistically with phenological development and location. However, their analysis was conducted on height-weight regressions and not on use estimates derived from those equations.…”

Section: On-site Height-weight Curves Vs the Usfs Gaugementioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparison of 3 Techniques for Monitoring Use of Western Wheatgrass

Halstead¹,

Howery²,

Ruyle³

2000

Journal of Range Management

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Forage use data can help rangeland and wildlife managers make informed decisions. However, managers need to know if forage use techniques that are commonly used to estimate ungulate herbivory under field conditions produce comparable results. The objective of this 2-year study was to directly compare forage use measurements obtained via the paired-plot method and 2 height-weight methods (using on-site height-weight curves and the pre-established United States Forest Service height-weight gauge). In June, July, and October of 1997 and 1998, we measured forage use of western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii Rydb.) by cattle (Bos taur u s L.) and wild ungulates, mainly elk (Cervus elaphus L.). On-site height-weight curves and the USFS gauge consistently produced lower estimates (overall means = 8 and 7%, respectively) than the paired-plot method (overall mean = 31%). Height-weight estimates did not differ (P > 0.05) when calculated with either on-site curves or the USFS gauge. Within sampling areas, paired-plot estimates were relatively more precise (mean CV = 63%) than on-site curves (mean CV = 238%) or the USFS gauge (mean CV = 271%). Selective grazing likely contributed to higher CVs for heightweight techniques. Our findings are important for rangeland and wildlife managers because the forage monitoring technique they use may influence the results obtained and, consequently, grazing management and wildlife harvest decisions. Managers should ensure that chosen monitoring techniques provide an appropriate evaluation of management goals and objectives.

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Seasonal Height-Weight Dynamics of Western Wheatgrass

Cited by 7 publications

References 13 publications

Visitor Perceptions about Cattle Grazing on National Forest Land

Visitor Perceptions about Cattle Grazing on National Forest Land

Comparison of 3 techniques for monitoring use of western wheatgrass

Comparison of 3 Techniques for Monitoring Use of Western Wheatgrass

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