In this review, Edwards looks at the populations of diverse native grass species, that are found in cattle pastures throughout central California, and how many of these areas have been overgrazed, resulting in the tall, fast-growing supercompetitors beating out the wildflowers and reducing establishment of native bunchgrass seedlings. Control of brush encroachment and reduction of competition from exotic herbaceous plants are indirect benefits of grazing, browsing, and trampling by livestock to grassland native grasses and wildflowers in California. Control of within-bunch residue is a possible direct benefit that has been demonstrated elsewhere, but that requires investigation in California. According to Edwards, mismanaged grazing, or overgrazing, has caused widespread destruction of native biodiversity in California, and it continues to do so. Well-managed livestock grazing, integrated over the landscape with appropriate exclusions, can be an excellent tool with which to address all these problems. The paleontological record shows that California's native vegetation and flora evolved in the context of intensive grazing, browsing, and trampling by an array of medium to large animals.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.