Vegetation and soil condition changes on a subalpine grassland in eastern Oregon.

Abstract

In the late 193O's, a subalpine grassland in the green fescue type in the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon was known to be in very poor condition. This grassland, located in the headwaters of the Imnaha River and locally known as Tenderfoot Basin, had been subjected to mismanaged sheep grazing for many years. Both quality and quantity of forage had dwindled until grazing capacity of the basin was only 8 percent of its estimated potential. The area of ground surface covered by vegetation was reduced 75 percent. Accelerated erosion was evident, with soil losses averaging 521 tons per acre.

Citation

Strickler, Gerald S. 1961. Vegetation and soil condition changes on a subalpine grassland in eastern Oregon. PNW Old Series Research Paper No. 40: 1-46