Evaluating Zones of Utilization

Abstract

A method of checking utilization has been devised and tested on public and private rangelands. It involves mapping and evaluating zones of utilization within a pasture or grazing unit. It presents guidelines for determining how grazing resources are being used and what needs to be done to improve efficiency: identifying areas that need special attention, analyzing economic aspects, adjusting livestock numbers, and recording progress over a period of years. The procedure is relatively simple, inexpensive, meaningful, and easily used by resource managers on horseback, in a jeep or helicopter, or afoot. It requires only the usual equipment found on a ranch.