After a 3-year study, Ganskopp et al. determined the cumulative effects of grazing on young bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) plants for combinations of winter wildlife use and early- or late-season cattle grazing. Utilization of bitterbrush was higher during late season cattle grazing than early season and was related to the start date of grazing and the digestibility of other available forages. Winter wildlife use somewhat reduced the differences between the two cattle grazing treatments but late season cattle use still reduced height, diameter, and volume of bitterbrush more than early season use. Therefore, early season cattle grazing, when other available forages are still green and growing, is recommended for managers of young bitterbrush stands that are used by wildlife as winter forage.
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