1995 Annual Report for FNC95-120
Incorporating Holistic Resource Management
Summary
Holistic resource management can provide an avenue of resolution by meeting concerns of both the ranch/farm community and wildlife/environmental interests.
Objectives: To implement a rotational grazing system on private and federal lands to improve biodiversity, increase plant vigor, provide residual nesting cover for upland game birds, conserve habitat for a federally listed thereatened plant (Western Prairie Orchid) and provide a stable forage base that will support a viable ranching operation.
Results: Fencing was installed to subdivide pastures into sizes that would accommodate an intensive management grazing system where rotations averaged four to five days with approximately 60 days recovery time. In only one year, carrying capactiy increased 29% with more native warm season grasses and forbs appearing. Cover for wildlife was enhanced and nutrient cycling was improved.