2209.21-2004-1
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
INTERMOUNTAIN REGION (REGION 4)
OGDEN, UT
FSH 2209.21 – RANGELAND ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS AND MONITORING
HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 40 – RANGELAND MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Amendment No.: 2209.21-2004-1
Effective Date: February 10, 2004
Duration: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: MARY C. ERICKSON
Forest Supervisor
Date Approved: 02/10/2004
Posting Instructions: Amendments are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this
amendment. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document.
New Document
2209.21-40
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
None
15 Pages
Digest: In order by code, summarize the main additions, revisions, or removal of direction
incorporated in this amendment.
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.
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40.62 – Objectives. The intent of utilization monitoring is to restrict use of key or identified
forage 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.
a. 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.).
b. No one method is suitable for all situations.
c. Utilization sampling techniques, standards, and frequency of sampling need to be
based on resource conditions and resource management objectives.
d. 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 2209.2--04).
e. 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.
f. Accuracy is dependent on training and experience of examiners.
g. Forage allowable use standards and guides are established as contained in the Forest
Plan and appropriate amendments.
h. Utilization measurements will consider total use by all herbivores.
i. 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).
j. 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 Desired Conditions
4) Develop Resource Management Objectives that will move conditions
toward desired conditions
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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 Procedure (may include):
a. Utilization Map Completion
b. Summarization of Data (Calculations)
c. Write-up of Report
1) Unit of 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 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.
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 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 use has been shown, or is
believed, to be capable of maintaining vegetation condition or moving it toward the
desired ecological status.
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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 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 researching 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 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 endof-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.
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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.
40.82 – Pre-Field Procedures. Pre-field work may include:
1. Selecting 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 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
(R4 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 the methodology through the successive years of the monitoring period.
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.
b. Stubble Height Management. 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 management 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
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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. Recommend Sampling Techniques for the Fishlake National Forest.
Although there are numerous sampling techniques approved for use, the Fishlake National Forest
has identified three preferred monitoring methods; not withstanding that no approval method is
precluded. The purpose is selecting key techniques is to provide Forest-wide uniformity,
conformity, and repeatability and to provide a limited number of techniques for which skilled
application can be achieved and refined.
A. Recommended residual measurements technique for riparian areas and wet meadows:
1. Stubble height measurements.
B. Recommended utilization techniques for upland sites:
1. Height-weight curves for key species.
2. Key species ocular estimate.
C. Minimum additional recommended techniques for both utilization and residual stubble
methods:
1. Document resource conditions using a Unit Examination Record (R4-220015).
2. Make a photographic record with a close-up and general view photos.
3. Supplement data measurements with detailed use-pattern mapping.
3. Select Supplementary Methods. Select the appropriate supplementary methods that will be
used: photos, maps, cages, etc. The important 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.
4. 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 indepth utilization monitoring training to permittees and interested publics in the state of Utah.
The methodology used in training will be Forest Service recognized utilization monitoring
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techniques. If permittees, or other interested in applying this monitoring training, follow Forest
Service procedures on an allotment, the Forest Service agrees to the data collected while making
resource decisions on the affected allotment(s).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Create a Base Map. All suitable range should be delineated. Within the suitable range,
ecological types should be identified by seral status, desired conditions, 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.
8. 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 in an AMP has not been approved or
formulated, or those areas most sensitive to changes in use patterns. Key areas
are selected subjectively such that it is hoped will reflect what is happening in
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 to information
needed from, and the site diversity of, the areas being monitored.
9. 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.
10. 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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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.
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.
40.83 – Field Procedures. Field procedures may include:
1. Collection of Field Data. Using sampling 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 percents utilization
from mid-point values for the measurement site. Other methods, like the key process, require the
measurement of utilization by key area site. Regardless of the method used, do not record
estimated suit 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 representatives 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 fields 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, by 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 gamelivestock 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
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
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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 (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 sites.”
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, location 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, in addition, draw a short pencil line at the approximate
midpoint of the transition between the two zones.
h. Continue route of travel, repeating steps d,e, and f until 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.
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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 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 suspension 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
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.
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.
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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 selectively, 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:
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
rational 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.
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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 permittee that it is his
responsibility to manage livestock use within the utilization standards 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.
7. Filing. File in the allotment 2210 (Range Management Planning) folder under the Monitoring
& Inspections section.