Pilot Efforts on the Bridger-Teton
The monitoring committee implemented 3 pilot efforts to test
the monitoring protocol they developed. In addition to the pilots, other
efforts are underway.
The Silver Creek Grazing Association monitoring program is
spearheaded by permittee Joel Bousman. Joe and the association members have
combined their monitoring with public relations by pulling together during
the past two years a "Monitoring Ride". The allotment is predominantly
wilderness, and by inviting an array of agency managers, public, academia,
etc., a great deal of education has occurred along with the monitoring. The
1997 ride was featured in Matt Hoobler's article, "Managing for Multiple
Use" in the October 1997 Wyoming
Farmer-Stockman.
The Upper Green River Grazing Association monitoring project
has been tackled by permittee Albert Sommers. The "Drift" is very large in
size, and features a complex pasture system. This monitoring program is being
phased in over several years as the deferred grazing multi-unit, multi-pasture
system is a big job!
Albert is sold on the value of permittee monitoring. He relays
the story that 30 years ago the allotment was divided into units and those
units into pastures, and a deferred rotation system installed. Much stress
was had by all when this occurred. These 30 years hence, nobody can show
data as to the improvements made as a result of the
change
. 
Back
to
home