Wild Utah Project's Grazing Analysis Tools and Protocols

• Rapid Stream-Riparian Assessment Protocol. We led a team of respected riparian scientists in developing a biologically based method for better assessing grazing damage to riparian areas. RSRA is now being used to assess riparian health by a number of conservation groups, Universities, independent biologists and consultants, and agencies (including the Mancos Conservation District and Capitol Reef National Park) across the Colorado Plateau.

• Forage Analysis and Stocking Protocol. After identifying serious problems with BLM's method for setting cattle stocking rates, we worked with other scientists to develop a more ecologically-based protocol. This new forage analysis and capacity model is giving Wild Utah Project and our conservation partners real traction with our work to positively affect public and private land grazing management in northern Utah (i.e. Rich County).

• Method for Determining Livestock's Role in Impairment. In response to an invitation from the Grand Staircase Monument and in cooperation with other scientists, we developed a method for determining when grazing is the cause of the failure of an area to comply with the rangeland health standards. Pursuant to its regulations, BLM must decide whether livestock use is the cause of an area's failure to meet rangeland health standards. Surprisingly, BLM has no method for making this determination. As a result, BLM's determinations have been subjective, inconsistent and extremely difficult to challenge. In 2003 we developed an analysis tool based on the ecological literature that gives BLM, for the first time, a consistent scientifically-based method for making this key determination. We worked with other regional scientists in the development of this new protocol, and formally submitted it to the Monument. Because we developed this method in response to a direct request by the Monument staff, we hope that it will have influence on Monument grazing management.