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Using a remote sensing based assessment method, we quantified the differences of ground cover between two areas that have had dramatically different grazing practices since 1984. Located in Rich County, Utah the two areas (Three Creeks and Deseret Land and Livestock [DLL]) were evaluated for differences in functional ground cover attributes. Three Creeks is an area made up of three BLM allotments. It has had season-long low density grazing. Six miles south of the Three Creek allotments is DLL. DLL is largely private, and has employed since 1978 an adaptive grazing strategy that provides enough growing season rest for plant recovery. During the active growing season, a quarter of DLL's pastures are rested. The grazing at DLL is shorter in duration with much higher density than the Three Creeks. The stocking rate of cattle at DLL in 2010, a near average precipitation year, was 4.4 Acres/AUM. Conversely, the Three Creeks stocking was adjudicated at 6.75 Acres/AUM. The semi-desert loam ecological site is shared by both areas and was the area of comparison between the two. The bare ground and sagebrush cover was significantly higher at Three Creeks and the herbaceous cover was significantly lower when compared to DLL.