Forb Nutrient Density for Sage Grouse Broods in mountain big sagebrush Communities, Montana

Abstract

On the Ground • Sage grouse and grazing livestock numbers have both decreased dramatically over the last half of the 20th century. • Forb density is critical for preincubating sage grouse hens and survival of young broods. • Although sagebrush is needed for sage grouse cover and winter feed, recommended canopy cover levels may be too high to create a forb-rich herbaceous understory. • Higher forb nutrient density for breeding hens and young broods could be achieved with targeted cattle grazing and selective thinning of mature mountain big sagebrush stands.