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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
CEDAR CITY, UTAH
FSH 2209.21 - RANGELAND ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
HANDBOOK
Dixie NF Supplement 2209.21-96-1
Effective April 25, 1996
POSTING NOTICE: Supplements to this title are numbered consecutively by title and
calendar year. Post by document name. Remove entire document and replace with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page of this document. This is the first
supplement to the Handbook
Document Name
2209.21, 40
New Pages
16
Digest:
40 - Provides the basis for consistent and uniform utilization monitoring procedures for the
Dixie National Forest.
/s/ Hugh C. Thompson
HUGH C. THOMPSON
Forest Supervisor
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FSH 2209.21 - RANGELAND ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
HANDBOOK
DIXIE NF SUPPLEMENT 2209.21-96-1
EFFECTIVE APRIL 1996
CHAPTER 40 - RANGELAND MONITORING AND EVALUATION
40.6 - Utilization Monitoring Procedures.
40.61 - Introduction. The purpose of this supplement is to provide the basis for consistent
and uniform utilization monitoring procedures. This supplement is not all-inclusive. It is
intended to provide the examiner with process steps that should be considered in the
conducting of monitoring surveys. These process steps are not standards and convey no rigid
rule for application. Depending on the intensity of the survey and the need for detailed
documentation, all of (or only parts of) the steps in the identified processes may be used.
40.62 - Objectives. The intent of utilization monitoring is to restrict use of key or identified
forage species by grazing animals at or below established levels to allow achievement of
desired ecological condition. Stocking capacity, as determined from animal months allowed
to graze to reach proper use, will be used to make management adjustments in annual
operating plans and for making necessary adjustments in stocking rates, in order to achieve
resource management objectives and desired conditions.
40.63. - Premises.
1.
Utilization surveys are approximations and should be supplemented by longterm condition and trend studies and other resource documents (photo documentaries,
ecological, reviews, IDT reviews, etc.).
2.
No one method is suitable for all situations.
3.
Utilization sampling techniques, standards, and frequency of sampling need to
be based on resource conditions and resource management objectives.
4.
Techniques can be modified, adjusted, or supplemented to fit particular
resource situations or resource management objectives, upon review by Regional Office
Vegetation Management Staff (R4 FSH 2209.2104).
5.
Under the terms of a Cooperative Rangeland Ecosystem Monitoring
Memorandum of Understanding, permittees who, following agency procedures in applying
Utah State Range Extension Agent training on an allotment, my submit the collected data for
incorporation in monitoring evaluations.
6.
Accuracy is dependent on training and experience of examiners.
7.
Forage allowable use standards and guides are established as contained in the
Forest Plan and appropriate amendments.
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8.
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Utilization measurements will consider total use by all herbivores.
9.
Relative use by big game will be used to help determine needed adjustments
in big game populations and to make harvest recommendations to the Utah Division of
Wildlife Resources (UDWR).
10.
Permittees will be invited to participate in utilization monitoring surveys.
40.7 - Utilization Monitoring Procedures Outline. Following is a skeletal outline for quick
reference to the steps that may be associated with the conduct of a utilization survey. On
succeeding pages, detailed discussions of each of these steps is provided to further develop
understanding of the intended purpose of each step.
1.
Preparation for Utilization Monitoring (may include):
a. Prior to Beginning the Survey
(1)
Identify Resource Problems
(2) Determine Existing Resource Conditions
(3) Determine DFC's
(4) Develop Resource Management Objectives that will move conditions
toward DFC
(5)
Determine Proper Use Criteria
(6)
Establish Survey Purposes
(7)
Determine Intensity of Analysis
b. Request Needed Training
2.
Pre-Field Procedures (may include):
a. Selection of Sampling Techniques
b. Coordination/Invite Permittee(s)
c. Review Available Information
d. Determine Actual Use
e. Create a Base Map
f. Select Key Areas
g. Locate Ungrazed Plots/Utilization Cages
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h. Review Surveying Equipment Needs
3.
Field Procedures (may include):
a. Collection of Field Data
b. Recording of Data
c. Determining Relative Use by Big Game
d. Documenting Resource Conditions
e. Creating a Photographic Record
f. Observing Twice-Over Use and Repeating Survey
g. Utilization Mapping
4.
Office Procedures (may include):
a. Utilization Map Completion
b. Summarization of Data (Calculations)
c. Write-up of Report
(1)
Unit Examination Record and/or:
(2)
Supplemental Narrative
(a)
Objective
(b)
Abstract
(c)
Narrative (analysis of data)
(d)
Data presentation
(e)
Photographs in Report
(f)
Utilization Map
(g)
Field Forms
d. Review and Approval
e. Permittee Review and Documentation
f. Distribution
g. Filing
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40.8 - Utilization Monitoring Procedural Guideline. Included in this outline are short
descriptions of key components, provided to guide application. This is intended to be a
procedural guideline, and the examiner may, depending on intensity of analysis and need for
detailed documentation, use only parts of the steps in the outline. Range conditions and
management situations should be evaluated on each range allotment and monitoring should
be conducted as appropriate for each situation. For example, if the allotment is close to
proper stocking, is not controversial, doesn't have any glaring resource problems; then a
minimal monitoring programs will suffice. This guideline offers a complete review of
possible steps to consider in conducting a monitoring survey. It may offer a means of simple
overview; it may provide a basis from which to modify to meet particular needs; or it may
provide a detailed procedural outline. It is not intended to overwhelm the examiner with
details, and the examiner is cautioned to not get bogged down in details when it is not
necessary.
40.81 - Preparation For Utilization Monitoring. Preparation for survey work may include:
1.
Prior To Beginning The Survey. Most rangelands have historically been
stocked with livestock and have had previous analyses performed to determine forage
allocation. This initial forage allocation. This initial forage allocation process must be
coupled with appropriate monitoring to ensure proper use of the resource and to evaluate
progress toward meeting desired conditions through attainment objectives relate directly to
consideration of non-consumptive uses (plant maintenance, watershed, esthetics, wilderness)
and consumptive uses (livestock, big game) for the remaining available vegetation. The most
important thing that should come out of planning for use of rangelands is a clear recognition
of desired conditions and where the conflicts occur, what the alternatives are in meeting
those conflicts, and what the trade-offs are. At a minimum, the proposed survey procedures
should be reviewed/coordinated with the District Ranger to ensure that appropriate
information is gathered and so that management is fully informed of potential workloads and
decision parameters. Things to consider in preparation for survey work include:
a.
Identify Resource Problems. Identify conflicts between commodity uses and
between commodity uses and non-commodity uses.
b.
Determine Existing Resource Conditions. At a minimum, determine the
current condition of key areas.
c.
Determine DFC's. Establish site-specific, ecologically capable DFC's. What
do you want the resource to look like? Is the DFC clearly understandable and not a
moving target?
d.
Develop Resource Management Objectives. Develop resource management
objectives that will either maintain DFC or move conditions toward DFC. The intent
of utilization monitoring is to keep use at or below established levels of use on key
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vegetation species. This level of proper use has been shown, or is believed, to be
capable of maintaining vegetation condition or moving it toward the desired
ecological status.
e.
Determine Proper Use Criteria. Allowable Use standards and guides are
documented in the Forest Plan and appropriate amendments. Proper use is
determined from allowable use and is the level of grazing utilization that can be
permitted on an area considering the need to maintain or reach desired conditions
while at the same time considering all limiting factors. Proper use criteria is
determined by the limiting factor or factors which are measured on a particular
siteit could be percent utilization of forage, impact on other resources or uses, or
any other measurable factor on a particular site. The presence of any specific limiting
factors should be noted and determinations made as to whether they significantly alter
the prescribed use level from allowable use standards and guides or established
proper use criteria.
f.
Determine Survey Purposes. Establish the purpose for doing the survey.
Which resource management objectives are not being met? Is there a need to
evaluate timing of livestock moves? A need to evaluate management systems? A
need to identify distribution problems? A need to evaluate the need for and location
of range improvements? A need to identify key and problem areas? A need to verify
or update estimated grazing capacity?
g.
Determine Intensity of Analysis. The intensity (scope and sampling
techniques) and duration depend on the degree to which resource management
objectives are being met and the purpose for dong the survey.
(1)
Duration of Survey. The duration depends on the objective of the survey.
The survey may be as short as one or two years, if the objective is to determine
distribution problems and the need for range improvements. Decisions for early
seasonal removal of livestock, based on the reaching of proper utilization, may be
made with each separate survey. Policy at R4 2209.21-21.22 directs that a minimum
of three years' of survey must be completed on allotments having downward trends
that are not moving toward DFC's and/or are overstocked.
(2)
Timing of Survey. Utilization surveys may be conducted at any time during
the period of use; however, they are generally conducted as soon as possible
following the removal of livestock from each pasture. A common problem occurs
when either an incomplete gather has left livestock in the unit or livestock return after
having been removed and then make additional use of forage after the initial survey
has been completed. Planning for following monitoring may be required if this
problem is
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likely. Where livestock, wildlife, and/or wild horses are present, it may be necessary
to conduct utilization surveys both present; it may be necessary to conduct utilization
surveys both before and after discrete periods of use by these animals to estimate the
percent utilization by kind of animal. If proper use criteria dictate that the stubble
height requirement is an end-of-the growing season standard, then the measuring of
stubble height at the end of the grazing use period may still be critical to determine
the timing and/or duration of the use period which can be allowed while leaving the
appropriate residual stubble height in the fall.
2.
Request Need Training. The objective of training is to provide examiners
with the necessary skills for implementing utilization surveys and collecting reliable,
unbiased, and consistent data. Examiners should understand procedures for data collection,
data recording, data calculations and summarization, data analysis and interpretation, and
report writing. The examiner must be able to identify plant species. Training should occur in
the field by qualified personnel to ensure that examiners are familiar with the equipment and
supplies and that detailed sampling instructions are thoroughly demonstrated and understood.
As a follow-up to the training, collected utilization data should be examined early in the
effort to ensure that the data are properly collected and recorded. Periodic review may be
necessary to ensure uniformity, accuracy, and reliability of the data.
40.82 - Pre-Field Procedures. Pre-field work may include:
1.
Select Sampling Techniques. Based on intensity of analysis and resource
management objectives, select the method of sampling and outline a plan of action.
Determine pasture sequence and timing for monitoring. Which units to monitor first will be
linked to the annual grazing strategy. The short term approved monitoring techniques and
methods are described in R4 FSH 2209.41-42. Other methods are described in the
Interagency Rangeland Monitoring Utilization Studies handbook and other Forest Service
Region FSH's. Methods other than those prescribed in the R4 FSH may be used upon review
and approval of the R4 Regional Office Range Staff (F4 FSH 2209.2104). Examiners
have the flexibility to use any of the approved methodologies. Once a method is selected for
use in monitoring a particular allotment, it is important to maintain the consistent use of this
methodology through the successive years of the monitoring period. Selection of a sampling
method is linked to the method which is intended to be used to measure utilization:
a.
Percent Utilization. The standard method of determining utilization is to
measure or estimate the amount of annual herbage removed by weight. This process
requires a comparison of the amount of herbage left compared with the amount of
herbage produced during the year.
b.
Stubble Height Measurement. Current research efforts indicate that focusing
on herbage remaining or ungrazed is a better monitoring tool than looking at how
much has been utilized. It provides a better means for setting resource management
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objectives for all resources, requires less training and yields better results. Stubble
height measurement is the determination of residual herbage material left after a
grazing or use period. Stubble height may be measured at the end of a grazing period
and/or at the end of the growing season.
c.
Ground Cover Measurement. This method utilized data gathered by the use of
transects, either paced or established, using a tape and point, and are conducted
starting from the same point and run in the same direction every time they are
conducted. Data is collected on the amount of vegetation, bare ground, and rock and
litter found at each point-sample along the transect. The data can be further refined
by classifying the vegetation component by species or life form, i.e., grass/sedge,
forb, and shrub.
2.
Select Supplementary Methods. Select the appropriate supplementary
methods that will be used: photos, maps, cages, etc. The importance of 1) the recording of
inspection notes and indicators of resource trends, 2) the location and observation of relic and
ungrazed sites or the use of utilization cages, 3) the taking of adequate photographs, 4) and
the completion of utilization mapping must be considered with whatever sampling techniques
is selected.
3.
Coordination. Permittees and interested publics should be consulted and
encouraged to participate in the collection and use of utilization data. The allotment file
should be documented to show the invitation and response. Permittees should be informed
no later than the spring Annual Operating Plan (AOP) meeting of pending utilization
monitoring. If permittees indicate that they have no desire to participate in the survey, this
should be documented. As soon as possible, set a date for the survey and notify the permittee
(regardless of indicated desire) and request that if they want to participate to inform you so
that appropriate arrangements can be made. There are occasions when windows of
opportunity to do utilization sampling are opened on short notice and even though advance
notice to permittees is limited, they should be notified and invited to participate.
Coordination with other state and federal agencies should be coordinated as appropriate. In
accordance with the 1994 Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperative Rangeland
Ecosystem Monitoring, Utah State Extension office will provide in-depth utilization
monitoring training to permittees and interested publics in the state of Utah. The
methodology used in the training will be Forest Service recognized utilization monitoring
techniques. If permittees, or others interested in applying this monitoring training, follow
Forest Service procedures on an allotment, the Forest Service agrees to use the data collected
while making resource on the affected allotment(s).
4.
`Review Available Information. Review all previous information collected on
the allotment, especially range inspections, utilization surveys, and range analyses. Review
soil surveys, wildlife information, material on plant requirements, or any other information
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that will help determine any other limiting factors, resource values, and resource
management objectives. Review the Forest Plan and applicable standards and guides and
DFC's. Review the proper use criteria for the seral status conditions of the ecological types
on the allotment.
5.
Determine Actual Use. Accurate actual use records for each unit of range on
the allotment are essential. On many allotments, we don't have good actual use information.
Historical authorized use may not provide sufficient information. It is important that follow
up be conducted to document, for both livestock and big game: where, when, how many, and
for how long? Most permittees keep tally books that are excellent sources for determining
actual use. In arriving at utilization figures from survey data, it is recognized that utilization
by wildlife is included in the data. Although estimates of utilization by herbivorous wildlife
species can be made from pellet-plot transects, such data is time-consuming to collect and is
inconclusive because of differences between livestock and wildlife in grazing patterns,
species utilized, seasonal variations, and related factors. Since livestock numbers and
seasons of use (actual head months grazed) are known, levels of utilization are usually
related solely to domestic livestock use and grazing capacity estimates are determined
accordingly. Wildlife needs, as related to current situations, then hinge on wildlife
management objectives.
6.
Create a Base Map. All suitable range should be delineated. Within the
suitable range, ecological types should be identified by seral status, desired condition, and
trend toward desired condition. Key areas/sites should be mapped and photographed to
provide a permanent record of their location. Mapping should be done on a 2'' = 1 mile or
larger scale map, or an aerial photo (as the situation dictates). GIS and GPS technologies
should be used as appropriate and where available.
7.
Select Key Areas. Key areas are indicator areas that have the capability to
reflect what is happening on a larger area as a result of on-the-ground management actions.
Depending on resource management objectives, a key area may be a representative sample of
a large stratum, such as a pasture, allotment, etc., or it may be a representative of a small
stratum having important values, such as a heavy use area near water, a riparian zone, etc. A
key area could also be a representative or critical area, such as a fragile watershed; sage
grouse nesting ground; threatened, endangered, or sensitive species habitat; etc. Selection of
key areas is tied directly to land use and resource management objectives. Proper selection
of key areas is critical to the success of the monitoring program. Poor information resulting
from improper selection of key areas can result in misguided decisions and improper
management. The following criteria are used to select key areas:
a.
Specific sites will be identified as key areas by an interdisciplinary team with
assistance from permittees and other interested parties, as appropriate.
b.
Key areas should be representative of the suitable, seasonal range area in
which it is located and capable of and likely to show response to management actions.
This response should be indicative of the response that is occurring on the larger
scale.
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c.
Key areas will be tied to specific resource management objectives as outlined
in the AMP, to the Forest Plan if an AMP has not been approved or formulated, or to
those areas most sensitive to changes in use patterns. Key areas are selected
subjectively such that it is hoped will reflect what is happening on a larger scale.
Although it would be desirable to make inferences about a larger scale from sampling
key areas, there is no way this can be done in the statistical sense because the key
areas have been chosen subjectively. For this reason, it is important to develop
objectives that are specific to key areas. It is equally important to make clear that
actions will be taken based on what happens in the key areas, even when it can not be
demonstrated statistically that what is happening in the key area is happening in the
larger area it was chosen to represent.
d.
Key areas should be selected only after a careful evaluation of the current
pattern of grazing use. Small areas of natural concentration, such as those
immediately adjacent to water, salt, roads, trails, or shade usually are not suitable key
management areas for reflecting what is happening on a larger scale. However, they
may be selected to provide representative sample of areas having important or critical
values such as riparian zones, fragile watersheds, or heavily grazed areas.
e.
The number of key areas selected will be based on the amount of information
needed from, and the site diversity of, the areas being monitored.
8.
Locate Ungrazed Plots/Utilization Cages. Any exclosure that will give
protection from grazing to a small representative sample of forage during the grazing season
and that will not appreciably disrupt normal vegetative growth can serve as a utilization cage.
Utilization cages in the monitoring area must be moved each year during the survey prior to
the beginning of the grazing season.
-
9.
Review Surveying Equipment Needs.
-
- Reliable horse and serviceable tack.
- Scales that weigh in grams.
- Bag in which to weigh grass.
- Instrument to clip grass (scissors, sharp knife, etc.)
- 2 meter/6 foot folding rules.
- 0.96 sq. ft. loop plot (41.69'' circumference).
- Sighting compass, graduated 0-360 degrees.
- Camera and lenses.
- Photograph identification sign/blackboard/clipboard 8'' x 10'' or larger and
white chalk or white shoe polish; OR, , 9'' x 12'' construction paper (gray or
light-green, matte surface) and black chisel-tip marker.
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- Field notebook for recording/collecting data.
- Plant identification manuals/pocket sized field guide.
- Hand-held calculator.
- Standard field data survey forms.
- Aerial photograph covering survey area.
- USGS topographic maps covering the survey area.
- Utilization gauges.
40.83 - Field Procedures. Field procedures may include:
1.
Collection of Field Data. Using sampling procedures and instructions
outlined for the selected methodology collect data by field observation.
2.
Recording Data. Use appropriate sampling forms to record field data. All
recorded data must correspond to its source survey figures (dot tallies, clip & weigh figures,
utilization mapping, photo records) and be traceable to that origin. Typically, utilization
mapping is done using percentage ranges representing light, moderate, heavy, etc. use levels.
And in some monitoring methods (i.e., ocular estimate by plot) dot tallies are made by class
intervals of no-use, slight use, light use, moderate use, heavy use, and severe use where these
use intervals represent ranges of use. This method provides for calculation and summation of
an estimated percent utilization from mid-point values for the measurement site. Other
methods, like the key area process, require the measurement of utilization by key area site.
Regardless of the method used, do not record estimated site utilization as a range between
two percentages (50-60%) or as a range between two stubble heights - state what the actual
calculated measurement is. Ranges depicted in utilization mapping likewise should not be
used for calculation processes. In some instances, photographic records display
representative pictures of utilization. Photo documentation should not use a range of use
levels (50-60%) to describe the use in the photo - be descriptive with the most accurate
information available. In the case that ranges have been recorded as estimated site utilization
and must be transcribed for calculation purposes, the lower range must be used in the
calculation.
If mistakes are made in recording or transcribing either actual use or proper use figures, do
not use erasures. Rather, cross through the error (leaving the original data visible), enter the
correction along-side, initial the change, and notate somewhere on the form the reason for the
change. It is important that field data forms remain a part of the formal survey record (they
may be an appendix or a part of the file record). In transcribing the data from field forms, it
is essential that figures are double-checked to assure accuracy in transcription.
3.
Determine Relative Use By Big Game. Key areas may be selected to
represent the ``pulse'' of a wildlife habitat area and can be important when analyzing data
collected through utilization monitoring. Such factors as rodent use, animal concentrations,
depredation, and other use of sites can have considerable impact on vegetation and soil
resources.
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On allotments where big game use is concentrated, consider establishing big game impact
study sites thought the use of exclosures or electric portable fencing. Ocular estimates of use
and mapping of use patterns may be beneficial. Pellet-plot transects may give an indication
of relative concentration by big game, but they are not reliable, repeatable monitoring
methods for determining annual use.
Wildlife counts should also be made on allotments or areas within allotments where big game
- livestock conflicts exist. The desired wildlife herd size, if different from existing, should be
determined jointly by both Forest Service and Division of Wildlife personnel. This relative
estimate can be useful in evaluating conflicts of use between livestock and big game. Since
no formulated methodology is available by which specific allocations can be readily assigned
to wildlife, it is important that resource management objectives be clearly defined an good
judgment be applied to adequately provide for all manageable species. A written
documentation of wildlife needs as related to grazing capacity is important.
4.
Document Resource Conditions. Observation and documentation of other
resource conditions to help with data evaluation and analysis is extremely important. The
Unit Examination Record Form (Form R4-2200-15) provides a convenient means for
recording such information (see R4 FSH 2209.21-42.1). Other similar forms of local design
may be substituted, if desired.
5.
Photographic Record. Close-up and/or general view photographs may be used
with any of the utilization survey methods. It is desirable that photos, particularly close-ups,
contain some readily identifiable, common object to provide a reasonable measure of scale.
A ruler, pencil, hat, etc., are commonly used. General view photographs should have
approximately one-third of the upper portion of the photo represented as skyline. See R4
FSH 2209.21-44.2 for a complete outline of photographic procedures, including
identification of photographs and photographic documentation.
6.
Twice Over Use and Repeat Surveys. Utilization surveys are generally
conducted at the end of each period of use within pastures or allotments. Where regrowth
may occur, utilization surveys should be conducted as soon as possible following the end of
the period of use. Regrowth is the plant growth that occurs following an interruption of
growth by grazing, fire, etc., as well as the plant growth that occurs in response to favorable
weather events following the normal grazing season. When animals use the same area more
than once a year and plant growth may occur or has occurred, utilization is still based on the
amount of growth available at the time the data are collected. The percent utilization after
each period of use represents only the amount of available growth that has been utilized up to
the time the survey is conducted. Utilization percentages recorded for various periods of use
during a year cannot be added together to get total utilization for the year. In other words, 30
percent use of 6 inches of plant growth available in the spring, and 30 percent of 12 inches of
plant growth available in the fall, do not add up to 60 percent utilization for the year.
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7.
Utilization Mapping. Use-pattern mapping can be used with any of the
utilization survey methods (see R4 FSH 2209.2142.8). Mapping grazing use patterns is
done by ocular estimate from horseback and can be effectively accomplished while riding
over the range. Proceed as follows:
a.
As a pre-requisite, examiners must make sufficient measurements in
similar types to ``set their sights''.
b.
The desired intensity of mapping should be determined before field
work begins. As a minimum, the mapping should be sufficiently detailed to
delineate the major forage producing portions of the range and how they are
being used.
c.
Plan the route of travel in advance so as to sample all of the range
types with minimum unnecessary travel and backtracking.
d.
Do not be too hasty in recording the data and zone lines on the map.
Proceed until there is assurance of a representative area of a distinct zone and
is significant enough to map as a separate zone.
e.
At the representative point on the map (or photo), mark an identifying
``X'' and circle and record the actual use.
f.
Additional information that should be recorded for each traversed use
zone includes:
(1)
Name(s) of key or important forage species grazed.
(2)
Features such as topography, rockiness, size of area, locations of salt,
slope, relative production and vigor, and distance from water - all of which
affect foraging habitats of grazing herbivores.
(3)
Signs of use by wildlife, wild horse, and/or livestock - which can be
useful in determining the kinds of large herbivores using an area.
(4)
Unused areas suitable for grazing - which help identify range
improvements needed to change grazing use distribution.
(5)
Existing condition of resources and indicators of trends.
(6)
Representative photographs.
g.
Proceed on the route of travel until well within the next use and
production zone. Stop and repeat steps e and f and, in addition, draw a short
pencil line at the approximate midpoint of the transition between the two
zones.
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h.
Continue route of travel, repeating steps d, e, and f until each zone of
use in the entire pasture or allotment has been sampled.
i.
When the sample has been completed, the map should show a series of
zone lines with recorded sample points.
j.
If the route of travel and sampling was sufficiently intensive, it should
be possible to complete and connect the missing zone lines by interpolation
between the recorded sample points. Topography and type boundaries will
often provide guidelines in making this interpolation. If the lines cannot be
logically connected by interpolation, there may be a ``hole'' in the sample. If
so, and it appears sufficiently large, this may require some duplicate travel to
fill in the missing data. This step should be completed at the end of each day's
work before leaving the area.
k.
Complete the map with a suitable legend; supplement with sufficient
photos to show problems, opportunities, comparisons, etc.; and prepare
notations of current conditions at the time the survey was done.
40.84 - Office Procedures. Office procedures may include:
1.
Utilization Map Completion.
a.
Measure acreage on all delineated areas and enter data on map. Enter
proper use (percent or stubble height), actual use, and acreage for each use
zone:
(% Proper Use - Actual Use
Acreage
b.
Color each zone on the map with the color that indicates the degree of
use. Compare the actual and proper use for each zone; any mapping unit that
is used greater than 5% above proper use may have cross hatching
superimposed over the actual use color to indicate what areas are being grazed
above proper use and consequently indicate the need for distribution and/or
stocking adjustments (permit suspensions or cancellations):
0-5%No UseWhite
6-20%Slightly UsedGreen
21-40%Lightly UsedYellow
41-60%Moderately UsedBlue
61-80%Heavily UsedRed
81-100%Severely UsedRed
2.
Summarization of Data (Calculations). See R4 FSH 2209.21-29.31a for the
R4 procedural guideline for calculating allowable use days (headmonths may be substituted
for use days). Round to nearest 10 headmonths if over 100 headmonths; round to nearest 5,
if less than 100 headmonths.
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3.
2209.21, 40
Page 15 of 16
Write-up of Report.
a.
Unit Examination Record and/or:
b.
Supplemental Narrative.
(1)
Objective. The report should give the reader a clear view of the
rationale of why the utilization survey was conducted.
(2)Abstract. The first written page of the survey tells the reader what is
happening on the allotment in easy to understand, concise statements. It may
include:
(a)
Accurate actual use (HM's) from the time the stock entered the pasture
until the day of the survey.
(b)
Present conditions and problems.
(c)
Rainfall pattern as it affects the survey.
(d)
Grazing system as it affects the survey.
(e)
Comparison with previous surveys.
(f)
Recommendations and conclusions.
(3)
Narrative. The narrative should include an in-depth analysis of the
range management situation. It includes analyzing the grazed system and
outlining information essential for management decisions. An analytical
interpretation of the data is essential to a correct reading of survey results.
Raw utilization data is essential must be considered with actual use, climate
data, resource conditions, desired future conditions (DFC's), species
selectivity, utilization patterns, duration of use, timing of use, other limiting
factors, resource management objectives, etc. in order to determine beneficial
or detrimental impact to the intensity of utilization. When interpreting
utilization data, it is important to consider the climatic conditions that have
occurred during the growing season. Light grazing use during a drought year
can appear to be the same as heavy use during a normal or above average
precipitation year. Analysis may also include:
(a)
Definition of problems and evaluation of possible solutions plus a
description of current management situations.
(b)
Livestock distributoin needs.
(c)
Wildlife considerations and conflicts.
(d)
Discussion and justification of proper use.
(e)
Permittee involvement in the survey.
(f)
Livestock management: kind and class, shipping season, pasture
moves, etc.
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2209.21, 40
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(g)Weather information.
(4)Data Presentation. Include a copy of the summary of calculations. Discuss any
rationale for adjusting stocking capacity estimates. Compare with other surveys (surveys
showing repeated non-compliance with permit terms and conditions may need stock
adjustments plus permit actions).
(5)Photographs in Report. Attach mounted photos. Make sure that the write-up for each
photo is clear enough that the purpose for inclusion will be evident.
(6)Utilization Map. Include map with appropriate legend.
(7)Field Forms. Utilization data are recorded on appropriate forms (see R4 FSH
2209.21-42). This data is then transcribed onto summarization charts and calculation
tables. It is imperative that this data is accurately transcribed and trackable to its source
field-form and entry. File the field forms and any other pertinent information in the
allotment file.
4. Review and approval. The survey report, data summarization and calculations, and
data analysis must be reviewed at the journeyman level. Utilization data should be examined
early in the collection effort to ensure that the data are properly collected and recorded.
Periodic review during the field season may be necessary for maintaining consistency among
examiners because of progressive phenological changes. Analysis of the data must be
reviewed to ensure appropriate application and management considerations. For any survey
indicating serious management implications or the need for livestock adjustments, once
completed staff work is assured, the report should be reviewed and approved by the District
Ranger by signature and date on the cover page of the report.
5. Permittee Review. Review of the monitoring survey results with the permittee(s) is at
the option of the permittee(s). It is recommended that the report should be discussed with the
permittee(s) in person so that he is fully informed of the survey proceedings, results,
implications, is given the opportunity to address problems and provide additional
information, and perhaps provide assistance in analyzing the data. He should be encouraged
to provide recommendations on how to proceed. It must be reaffirmed with the permittees
that it is his responsib8ility to manage livestock use within the prescribed utilization
standards and guides and that if monitoring indicates recurring excessive occur. The
permittee review should be documented by letter to the permittee or by signature on the
cover page of the report, etc.
6. Distribution. Complete copies should be distributed to the District Ranger and the
Forest Supervisor. A copy of the summarization and write-up should be provided to the
permittee.
7. Filing. File in the allotment 2210 (Range Management Planning) folder under the
Monitoring & Inspections section.