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Abstract
Grazed Sierra Nevada stringer meadow systems were sampled on Blodgett Forest Research Station in northern California between 1977 and 1987 to determine cattle use, and to examine changes in production and species composition over time. Utilization of meadow species averaged 61 percent over the 10 years, but use increased to more than 80 percent utilization after 1985. Production averaged 2733 kg/ha but has significantly declined in recent years. Relative species composition has not changed, nor has total vegetative cover between 1979 and 1986. Range condition models based on changes in species composition were not useful for assessing these stringer meadow systems. Managers should instead base livestock management on stream bank conditions and meadow productivity.
Parent Publication
Citation
Allen, Barbara H. 1989. Ten Years of Change in Sierran Stringer Meadows: An Evaluation of Range Condition Models. In: Abell, Dana L., Technical Coordinator. 1989. Proceedings of the California Riparian Systems Conference: protection, management, and restoration for the 1990s; 1988 September 22-24; Davis, CA. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-110. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 102-108
