2209.21-2004-1
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST
RICHFIELD, UT
FSH 2209.21 – RANGELAND ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS AND MONITORING
HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 30 – ANNUAL MONITORING AND HERBIVORE USE
Supplement No.: 2209.21-2004-1
Effective Date: August 15, 2004
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: MARY C. ERICKSON
Forest Supervisor
Date Approved: 08/15/2004
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document.
New Document
2209.21-30
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
None
17 Pages
Digest: In order by code, summarize the main additions, revisions, or removal of direction
incorporated in this supplement.
30.1 - Utilization Monitoring Procedures—A Supplement to Interagency Technical Reference
1734-3.
30.11 - Introduction. This supplement does not discuss the details of utilization studies and
residual measurment methods. These sampling processes and study designs are adequately
described in the Interagency Technical Reference Guide1734-3. The purpose of this supplement
is to provide the basis for consistent and uniform application of selected 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
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the survey and the need for detailed documentation, all of (or only parts of) the steps in the
identified processes may be used.
Included in this guide are short descriptions of key components, provided to direct 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 program 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.
30.12 - 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.
30.13 - Premises.
1. Utilization surveys are approximations and should be supplemented by long-term
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, as long as the principles of the technique
are maintained.
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, may 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.
8. 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).
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DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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10. Permittees will be invited to participate in utilization monitoring surveys.
30.2 - 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 Desired Conditions
4) Develop Resource Management Objectives that will move conditions toward
desired conditions
5) Determine Proper Use Criteria, if different than prescribed Allowable Use
levels
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
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
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d.
e.
f.
g.
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
Review and Approval
Permittee Review and Documentation
Distribution
Filing
30.21 - 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 process must be coupled with appropriate monitoring to
ensure proper use of the resource and to evaluate progress toward meeting desired
conditions through attainment of interim resource management objectives. Resource
management 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 Desired Conditions. Establish site-specific, ecologically capable
Desired Conditions. What do you want the resource to look like? Is the Desired
Condition clearly understandable and not a moving target?
d. Develop Resource Management Objectives. Develop resource management
objectives that will either maintain Desired Conditions or move conditions toward
Desired Conditions. The intent of utilization monitoring is to keep use at or
below established levels of use on key vegetation species. This level of proper
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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 from interdisciplinary input. Proper use 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 doing 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. Two to three
years of consecutive surveys may be necessary on allotments having
downward trends, that are not moving toward Desired Conditions, 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 follow-up
monitoring may be required if this problem is likely. Where livestock,
wildlife, and/or wild horses are 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
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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 Needed 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 should also be informed about the importance of uniformity, accuracy, and reliability
of the monitoring data. Examiners 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.
31.32 - Pre-Field Procedures. Pre-field work may include:
1. Select Sampling Techniques. Sampling techniques, study design, and analysis
discussions are presented in detail in Interagency Tchnical Reference Guide1734-3
“Utilization Studies and Residual Measurements”. 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. 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.
To maintain a uniform and consistent approach to utilization monitoring, as a
minimum, Forest range specialists on the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests will use
the Stubble Height sampling method for measuring residual forage in riparian areas,
and they have the option of choosing between two methods for upland measurments:
Height Weight Method or Key Species Method. The standard procedures outlined in
this guide for photographing, detailed use mapping, and qualitative documentation
will also be consistently followed.
Selection of a sampling method is linked to the method that 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.
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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 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 utilizes 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 a) the recording of
inspection notes and indicators of resource trends, b) the location and observation of
relic or ungrazed sites or the use of utilization cages, c) the taking of adequate
photographs, d) and the completion of utilization mapping must be considered with
whatever sampling technique 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 offices 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 decisions on the affected allotment(s).
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EFFECTIVE DATE: August 15, 2004
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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 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 headmonths 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:
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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.
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 area, 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 samples 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.
7. 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.
8. Review Surveying Equipment Needs.


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
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.
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


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
0.96 sq. ft. loop plot (41.69" circumference).
Hand-held GPS unit.
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.
Field notebook for recording/collecting data.
Plant identification manuals/pocket sized field guide.
Sampling instructions.
Hand-held calculator.
Standard field data survey forms.
Aerial photographs covering survey area.
USGS topographic maps covering the survey area.
Utilization gauges.
31.23 - 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. occular 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
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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.
On allotments where big game use is concentrated, consider establishing big game impact study
sites through 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 and good
judgement 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
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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 utilization of 12 inches of plant growth available in the fall, do not
add up to 60 percent utilization for the year.
7. Utilization Mapping. Use-pattern mapping can be used with any of the utilization survey
methods. The most practical method for accomplishment of use-intensity mapping is the sketch
method. The grazing unit being mapped is examined by ocular reconnaissance and the
boundaries of the forage-use intensity classes are sketched freehand on aerial photos, maps, or
overlays. Use-pattern mapping is best accomplished on a grazing unit-by unit basis at about the
time livestock leave the unit or shortly thereafter. Mapping grazing use patterns is best done
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 habits of
grazing herbivores.
3) Signs of use by wildlife, wild horses, 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.
FISHLAKE SUPPLEMENT 2209.21 – 2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 15, 2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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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.
31.24 - Office Procedures. Office procedures may include:
1. Summarization of Data (Calculations). Calculate the measured percent utilization of
herbaceous plants according to specific instructions for the selected methodology found in
Interagency Tchnical Reference Guide 1734-3 “Utilization Studies and Residual Measurements”.
Allowable use days (headmonths may be substituted for use days) are calculated by a ratio of
utilization achieved per use days. If calculating in headmonths, round to nearest 10 headmonths
if over 100 headmonths; round to nearest 5, if less than 100 headmonths. The following example
is of a pasture that is grazed with 700 head of cattle.
Proper utilization for this pasture is 55 percent. Utilization measurements were taken 14 days
into the grazing season on key areas and the measurements showed an average of 30 percent use.
A ratio of percent use to use days shows 12 days of grazing left under the current stocking rate
and management philosophy.
Measured Use
Current Use Days
=
Proper Use
Allowable Use Days
30%
14 days
=
55%
X Days
14 days
x
55% / 30%
770 / 30
=
=
x days
x days
x = 26 days total allowable use
Total allowable use in this pasture is 26 days (or 600 HMs). 26 days (600 HMs) minus 14 days
(327 HMs) of current use equals 12 days (270 HMs) capacity left under the current stocking rate
and grazing system.
FISHLAKE SUPPLEMENT 2209.21 – 2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 15, 2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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An alternate method of calculating days left is by figuring use remaining. With proper use at 55
percent and current use at 30 percent, there is 25 percent use remaining before proper use is
reached.
Measured Use
Current Use Days
=
Proper Use
Allowable Use Days
30%
14 days
=
25%
X Days
14 days
x
25% / 30%
350 / 30
=
=
x days
x days
x = 12 days of use left to reach
55% use
2. 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 Use: White
 6-20% -- Slightly Used: Green
 21-40% --Lightly Used: Yellow
 41-60% -- Moderately Used: Blue
 61-80% -- Heavily Used: Red
 81-100% -- Severely Used: Red
c. Use-pattern mapping calculations. Calculation of estimated grazing capacity is a
computed ratio of the sum of actual area use (actual use % x acres) to total actual use in
HMs, as compared to the ratio of the sum of allowable area use (allowable % use x acres)
to estimated grazing capacity in HMs.
ACRES
188
120
%
ACTUAL
USE
80
20
ACTUAL
AREA USE
15040
2400
%
ALLOWABLE
USE
50
30
ALLOWABLE
AREA USE
JUSTIFICATION
9400
3600
Key Area
Meets key growth
FISHLAKE SUPPLEMENT 2209.21 – 2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 15, 2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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308
528
70
30
21560
15840
1144
50
30
54840
15400
15840
requirements; use relative to
key area
Key area
Allowable use set low due to
light use within mixed conifer
44240
Calculations:
54,840 Actual Area Use
1,500 HMs
desired
Thus:
=
44,240 Allowable Area Use
x
x = 1,200 HMs
1,500 HMs grazed - 1,200 HMs desired = 300 HMs overobligated
3. 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 grazing 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 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 impacts 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:
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DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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a) Definition of problems and evaluation of possible solutions plus a description of
current management situations.
b) Livestock distribution 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.
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 stocking 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 Interagency
Technical Reference Guide 1734-3). 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 permittee
that it is his responsibility to manage livestock use within the prescribed utilization standards
FISHLAKE SUPPLEMENT 2209.21 – 2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 15, 2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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and guides and that if monitoring indicates recurring excessive use, stocking reductions
consistent with management or use patterns will 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.
4. Filing. File in the allotment 2210 (Range Management Planning) folder under the
Monitoring & Inspections section.