North Coast Semaphore Grass (Pleuropogon hooverianus) is a threatened species in riparian areas embedded within California�s north coast rangelands. P. hooverianus riparian habitat is commonly encroached upon by Phalaris aquatica, a highly competitive perennial forage grass. �Targeted livestock grazing has been identified as a viable tool to enhance P. hooverianus.� Efficacy depends upon matching the timing of grazing to the phenological development of the two species. Ideally, grazing should occur when P. aquatica is at optimal palatability. In 2016 and 2017 phenology of the two species was monitored throughout the spring growing season. In 2016 a pilot study was performed in a stand of P. hooverianus and P. aquatica to map timing of phenophases to inform targeted grazing decision-making, particularly the timing of P. hooverianus and P. aquatica reproductive phenophases relative to one another. The results of this research and the efficacy of resulting targeted grazing management on both species will be presented.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.