Get reliable rangeland science

Wild horses heavily occupy two distinct areas of northeastern California, part of the Modoc National Forest known as the Devil�s Garden and eastern Lassen County managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management. Both horse herds have significantly exceeded appropriate management levels established in the 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Act. This increase in herd size and season long unmanaged grazing has promoted concern about resource degradation. Natural spring and seep locations are unique niche ecosystems needed to sustain a variety of life in these areas and are particularly hard hit. This study aims to quantify the relative frequency, duration, and timing of use by horses, permitted livestock, and wildlife at spring locations. We also aim to quantify riparian health standards including vegetation changes such as stubble height, plant community, bare ground, and stream bank disturbance. Ten representative study locations were selected in both the Devil�s Garden and East Lassen areas. Motion sensitive cameras were deployed at each location for 14-day sampling periods during the spring, summer, and fall of 2015 and 2016. Vegetative sampling and a qualitative wild horse assessment were completed during each sampling period. This presentation will discuss initial occupancy data and vegetation analysis as well as implications for management and on-going research.