Low-Elevation Area. This area provides critically important grass-dominated elk winter and cattle calving range. It also provides essential sagebrush winter habitat for GSG, mule deer and pronghorn. Ranch managers have found that by primarily grazing the low-elevation area early in the year (prior to initiation of new herbaceous growth) and maintaining interspersed grass-dominated patches and sagebrush- dominated patches, the needs of the Covered Species and the other species listed above can be met. The pastures in the low-elevation area are generally grazed by cattle during April and May, prior to or during early rapid grass growth. Pastures are generally grazed for 1-3 weeks. Some low- elevation area pastures are completely rested each year in order to improve plant vigor and maximize grass growth through summer and fall2. Under this program, forage is stockpiled for winter elk use. In the spring, cattle graze the remaining residual forage prior to the initiation of new growth, and the process repeats. Cattle typically remove this old growth and are moved to the mid-elevation pastures as rapid grass-growth commences. These areas are typically not used for GSG brood rearing habitat but are important for 6 of the 12 primary leks and for winter habitat for these birds. The complementary practices of rest rotation cattle grazing in the spring and maintaining (through treatment) an appropriate balance of herbaceous and shrub-dominated areas have proven essential to achieving the habitat needs of the Covered Species and other essential Ranch economic and ecological goals. Vegetation treatment in the low-elevation area emphasizes maintaining winter forage and cover for the Covered Species especially tall sagebrush for GSG. Mechanical treatments have been successfully used by DLL in the low-elevation area to add plant species diversity in the old 1960s era crested wheatgrass plantings (Table 3). Greater plant species diversity within these stands may increase late-brood habitat for GSG. Increased species diversity within already-established crested wheatgrass stands would likely benefit the Covered Species and other species. In addition to historic vegetation treatment activities such as those outlined above, DLL strives to remain current with respect to new and evolving agricultural and rangeland management practices. Such practices will be employed where they meet DLL’s livestock production and wildlife habitat goals as described in the Agreement. For example, if new strains o...
