Other Uses of Forests

Grazing

Grazing forms an important forest activity. Grazing in forest areas in a planned and scientific manner has been found to be beneficial for the land. Of course, this depends on the timing and intensity. Timing is important in terms of the period allowed for regrowth between grazing. Intensity refers to how much leaf area is left on the plant after grazing.

Benefits of grazing

Research shows that cattle grazing at low intensity provides biodiversity benefits to forest areas. This is because livestock grazing on ground cover reduces competition for moisture between the vegetation. Studies in Oregon have shown up to 50% increase in plant growth over 10 to 20 years with the integration of animals into the system.

The flip side

Though woodlands can provide useful forage for livestock, management of forest grazing resources is essential to avoid damage to plant reproduction. Many landowners perceive forests to be virtually indestructible, given the long life of trees, their ability to stand various natural stresses, and their capability of regenerating. Indiscriminate grazing is the consequence.

Overgrazing can be quite counter-productive. Elimination of plant cover and compacting of soil increases soil erosion and surface run-off. Plant reproduction is affected as well, which in turn reduces forage yields.

Range management

The science of directing forest use for maximum forage production for livestock and wildlife without damaging the forest and watershed is called range management, and it is a very specialised field. Without sensible range management, grazing can do more harm than good.

Range managers seek to increase the amount of forage on the land and reduce possible damage from livestock. Range conservation practices include: fencing the area into different pastures to allow for rotating grazing areas; development of water sources at various points for grazing animals; killing brush and weeds occupying pastures; and complete exclusion of livestock from overgrazed lands.