<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> One of your examples, Deseret Land and Livestock shows a 25% decrease in Mule deer when 3000 cattle were added to the ranch. In my opinion, a Trophy Mule Deer buck is probably the most difficult animal in the West to find, and here you have a ranch that decimates 1/4 of the population. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>What about the increases in elk? The grazing is done mostly on the lower elevations where there are some deer, but mostly pronghorn which increased from 0 to 200. The ranch manages more for elk than deer because they can get more for the elk ($12000/bull tag). I'm also not so sure about the impact of cattle on deer, as their diets are too different. Is it coincidence that mule deer populations peaked in the 1960's when grazing was much higher then than now? I think no. I have no proof, but it is my contention that the increased cattle (as sheep were already on their way out in many areas by then) increased the amount of shrubs, particularly sagebrush. In many areas, sagebrush has increased to unhealthy levels. This allowed for more forage to be available during the winter months for the deer. Thoughts or opinions?
What about the other example, where grazing led to more species diversity on grazed land than ungrazed land?
Just to reiterate, I am not for wholesale grazing of public lands. But, the science is in and livestock, IF MANAGED PROPERLY can be a good tool to increase habitat. I personally think that is the main way of thinking that the USFS and BLM are going to be trying to use them in the future. Societal demand is higher for recreation, thus that is what will be the highest priority for management. Thus, grazing, logging, etc will be used as a tool to increase the recreation aspect instead of a focus. Commodity production will become a part of the system instead of what drives the system. Just my $0.02.
What about the other example, where grazing led to more species diversity on grazed land than ungrazed land?
Just to reiterate, I am not for wholesale grazing of public lands. But, the science is in and livestock, IF MANAGED PROPERLY can be a good tool to increase habitat. I personally think that is the main way of thinking that the USFS and BLM are going to be trying to use them in the future. Societal demand is higher for recreation, thus that is what will be the highest priority for management. Thus, grazing, logging, etc will be used as a tool to increase the recreation aspect instead of a focus. Commodity production will become a part of the system instead of what drives the system. Just my $0.02.