A grazing history of Southwestern Idaho with emphasis on the Birds of Prey Study Area

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Abstract:

The rangeland of southwestern Idaho, once a mosaic of vegetation dominated by open stands of either big sagebrush with an understory of native perennial grasses, winterfat and other salt-desert shrubs, or wild rye and other grasses was severely damaged by overgrazing during the range cattle boom of the 1880's and by the sheep boom which followed. Continued high stocking levels, combined with the 14-year dry period which culminated in the severe drought of 1934, resulted in the virtual elimination of the native grass understory, a great reduction in the area dominated by winterfat, and the creation of dense monotypic stands of big sagebrush. After destruction of native range vegetation, exotic annuals such as Russian thistle, mustards, cheatgrass, halogeton, and Medusahead invaded southern Idaho. Millions of acres of rangeland are now dominated by these annuals, and the original character of the vegetation is much changed. In more recent decades grazing management and range improvement programs have brought about an increase in range productivity. But in some respects these programs do not well serve the native animals and vegetation. Much of the range is still overstocked or poorly managed, and could be severely damaged during a year of low rainfall. Since it is not possible to return the rangeland to its pristine condition, only very careful and enlightened management can guarantee a productive future for the southwestern Idaho range.

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SA Code: U80YEN01IDUS

Full Citation: Yensen, D. 1980 (revised 1982). A grazing history of Southwestern Idaho with emphasis on the Birds of Prey Study Area. Boise District BLM, Boise. 82 pp.

Location: ELECTRONIC FILE BOTANY: OTHER