Sagebrush Control Research
Yesterday, I told you burning was my first choice for sagebrush control. I'm Jeff Keane; right after this break, I'll tell you about another method backed by a reliable study.Since 1987 Mike Smith, University of Wyoming range management specialist has been learning about sagebrush management. Mr. Smith has records to back up his statement that ranchers can realize an economic return if they apply herbicide to rangelands having sagebrush cover greater than 23 percent. An article in Western Farmer -Stockman magazine by Robert Waggener also quotes Smith saying, "treatments with 2, 4-D approximately double your forage production for livestock." I don't believe some of that Wyoming sage is quite like its cousin in north central Washington that looks like it has crossed with a redwood, but it is probably comparable to the sage of the Oregon and Idaho high desert country, so this control method may work in those areas. In this day and age just about any range management plan has to consider wildlife benefits. Smith and his colleagues contend using 2, 4-D applications can create a mosaic of sagebrush density to improve habitat for sage grouse and livestock. Of course, for the plan to work, stocking rates and livestock distribution must be utilized, timing grazing with plant growth observed, and watching precipitation amounts. I think there's a benefit to any strategy that wipes out even one sagebrush. I'm Jeff Keane.
