An analysis of willow canopy cover was completed using aerial photographs spanning 46 years, including a 23 year period of custodial grazing management and a 22 year period of a rest rotation grazing system. Manoukian and Marlow also collected field data to classify stem age in each of the 4 pastures of the Long Creek Allotment (the 4 study areas). Under traditional grazing management practices (custodial management), short rest periods are required for willow recovery. These data sets suggest that extended periods of rest (> 3 years) are not necessary for willow recovery if livestock or wildlife use is closely controlled.
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.