Prescribed fire has been used as a tool to control aspen encroachment on pasturelands. However, aspen suckers can quickly regenerate following burning, and the plant community may return to an aspen grove if they are not controlled. Bailey et al. determined that short duration, high intensity cattle grazing could be used to control aspen suckers and maintain a grass plant community after burning. Early season (June) grazing took longer to control the aspen (6 years), but allowed for more rapid growth of seeded species in pastures. Late season (August) grazing controlled aspen very quickly, but slowed the establishment of seeded species in pastures. Over time, in both early and late season pastures, western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), a shrub that is unpalatable to cattle, became abundant and other methods for controlling this shrub will need to be determined.
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.