Treesearch

The increase in prairie dog populations on the northern High Plains has emphasized the need for additional information on cattle-prairie dog forage relationships. To obtain information on cattle-prairie dog forage relationships, 4 treatments were evaluated over 4 growing seasons. These treatments were: 1) no grazing (prairie dogs eliminated and cattle excluded), 2) grazing by prairie dogs, 3) grazing by cattle and 4) grazing by cattle and prairie dogs. In addition, forage utilized by cattle and prairie dogs was assessed. Standing crop values were obtained on all treatments by plant species...

The lichen (Parmelia chlorochroa) was most abundant in sagebrush and grassland vegetation associations, less so in the pine, and absent in riparian types. It was significantly associated with drier sites and bare ground. Lichens appear to have value in reducing erosion, as indicators of intensive grazing, and in contributing to the nutrient quality of soils.

Use of 36 livestock watering ponds by mallard (Anas playtrhynchos), blue-winged teal (A. discors), and total broods was tested against 32 habitat variables from 1977 and 1978. Pond size, shallow water areas with submersed vegetation, number of natural wetlands in a 1.6-km radius, and emersed vegetation composed of smartweed (Polygonum spp.) and spikerush (Eleocharis spp.) were associated with increased use of ponds by total broods. When analyzed by species, small grain on the surrounding section and height and density of shoreline vegetation were associated with increased use of ponds by...

This report develops a standard way of measuring stream, riparian, and biotic conditions and evaluates the validity of the measurements recommended. Accuracy and precision of most measurements are defined. This report will be of value to those persons documenting, monitoring, or predicting stream conditions and their biotic resources, especially those related to impacts from land uses.

Provides information on fire as an ecological factor for forest habitat types occurring east of the Continental Divide in Montana. Identifies "Fire Groups" of habitat types based on fire's role in forest succession. Describes forest fuels and suggests considerations for fire management.

The Stand Prognosis Model is a computer program that projects the development of forest stands in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Thinning options allow for simulation of a variety of management strategies. Input consists of a stand inventory, including sample tree records, and a set of option selection instructions. Output includes data normally found in stand, stock, and yield tables and details on selected sample trees. Preparation of input, interpretation of output, and model formulation are described. Guidelines are given for potential uses and limitations.Publication Web Site:https://ww...

Populations of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) from Montana west of the Continental Divide were compared in common environments. Differentiation was observed for six variables reflecting growth potential, phenology and cold hardiness. Adaptation of populations for numerous traits is viewed as a balance between selection of high growth potential in relatively mild environments and selection for cold hardiness in severe environments. Adaptive variation is described according to two physiographic zones, elevation within each zone, and latitude within zones.

A mathematical model for the near-surface flow of air up a sun-heated slope is derived. The model is used to produce tables and graphs for estimating "midflame II windspeeds as needed for predicting wildland fire behavior. The model applies on open or sparsely-forested slopes when there is otherwise no wind, from midday to late afternoon on clear summer days.

Needle area of Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine and leaf area of aspen are predicted from d.b.h. or tree height. Leaf area index can be calculated from stand basal area.

Selected physical, chemical and bacteriological qualities of stream water entering and leaving a campground were examined during the summer of 1978 to investigate the influence of recreational use. Water samples were collected and analyzed at approximately biweekly intervals, and also three times daily before and after the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends. Chemical and physical quality remained unchanged and densities of indicator bacteria in surface water were not significantly increased by recreational use of a campground equipped with modern sanitation facilities.