Show Ranges I Seen Average For Time TillIe of Year I Although forage plants on the National Land Reserve grew vigorously last spring because of plentiful moisture the range as n a whole Is now In only average for this time of year Much more forage would have been available this win win- winter ter if summer and fall rains had been more frequent rep rep- reported Odell A Frandsen tract Manager of the Vernal office early this week Primarily concerning local livestock operators Is the con con- condition condition of winter ranges where their livestock will spend the next few months These range rangelands rangelands lands differ from summer ran ran- ranges In several aspects THE TYPES of plants found on winter range differs from those of other areas Principal species are sagebrush and many other species of desert browse plants with relatively little grass This occurs be- be because because cause the winter ranges are located in the lower elevations where rainfall is limited to only about eight inches per year Summer range moisture on the other hand averages from I twelve to fourteen inches each year The extra moisture In those areas and a different type of soil generally allows for more growth of grasses and less of the brush type pro pro- viding of course that not too many livestock use the range Overuse of range land especially from cattle tends to reo re- retard tard the growth of grass and I replace it with browse species IN MOST AREAS winter range does not provide as much forage for lIvestock as summer range Plant growth at the lower bower elevations is re re- re retarded by the lack of moisture and a heavier type of soil Be Be- Because cause the density of plants is reduced It takes more winter range to support a given num- num number number ber of animals than summer range Manager Frandsen said Water is another problem on winter ranges During No- No November November vember the lack of stock wa- wa water water ter on n these ranges presented a serious problem for live stockmen There was no snow and only a few ponds with water Live water such as streams and springs occurs mainly at higher elevations on summer range lands Livestock operators often must build ponds on their win win- winter winter ter range to Insure a supply for their animals but without rain during the summer summer and fall these ponds are usually dry Snow is an Important source of stock water during the winter BY THE MIDDLE of Dec Dec- December ember nearly all livestock on the Vernal District will have onI I been moved onto winter rang rang- es Cs reported Mr Frandsen rang rang-I j I I |