The San Juan National Forest has released a draft environmental impact statement on future livestock grazing for the Glade area northwest of Dolores.
The study analyzed current range conditions, and proposes to reauthorize grazing permits, with modifications, at eight cattle allotments, including Brumley, Calf, Glade, Lone Mesa, Long Park, Mair and Salter. The Sage Hen allotment would be retained for cattle trailing only.
Combined grazing allotments in the Glade cover 120,000 suitable acres. Nine ranchers are currently permitted to run 2,989 cattle, but they don’t always run their full allocation.
The allotments on the Glade landscape have been managed for domestic livestock grazing for decades. According to the draft EIS, range monitoring transects show much improvement in the range historically.
However, recent monitoring has shown areas with recorded improvement have stalled out before reaching desired conditions. In addition, those areas categorized in stable condition have begun to decline. Many springs, seeps, swales and wetlands are in poor condition and need restoration, according to the report.
Livestock grazing is expected to be reauthorized, but with modifications to improve rangeland. The plan lists several management alternatives, with Alternative C listed as preferred. Alternative C would continue grazing in the Glade but implement adaptive management procedures that could result in cutbacks.
“The purpose for this project is to continue to authorize sustainable livestock grazing on all or portions of the project area while moving resource conditions from existing toward desired conditions,” said Dolores District Ranger Derek Padilla.
Mountain grassland parks are especially in need of additional management for improved cattle distribution in order to recover, according to the report. The grasslands lack deep-rooted native bunch grasses, proper species composition and ground cover necessary for hydrologic function.
The forest proposes to monitor mountain grasslands in Salter, Mair and Calf allotments after the final decision, then make adjustments in cattle days and numbers based on where livestock primarily graze.
“An important assumption is that improved use patterns would result in improved conditions,” the report states.
If in two out of three years the cattle mapping effort shows poor distribution (for example, bulk use in parklands and little or no use in woodland/shrub areas) then livestock capacity would be set based on acreage of suitable range actually used.
If an allotment pasture shows one-third suitable areas not used, while another area gets overgrazed, then there would be cutbacks in grazing days by one-third, the report states.
Changes would not occur in the first grazing season following the final plan decision to allow for monitoring.
“Although a problem with distribution of cattle is known today, the extent of the problem is not known,” the report states. “This is why use mapping must occur to identify the needed change.”
About 20 springs in the Glade area need reconstruction or restoration since livestock use has altered water flow patterns and water quality, according to the report.
The Forest Service proposes to work on at least two springs per year after the final decision. Actions include changing pipe, spring box, fencing, and adjusting spring flows so that livestock can use the water in a manner that maintains spring function.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
Glade grazing comment period
The deadline for public comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement for grazing on the Glade is Feb. 2.
The draft EIS is available at http://bit.ly/GladeEIS.
The web page includes an electronic comment form, or written comments can be mailed to: District Ranger, 29211 Colorado Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323, or emailed to hjmusclow@fs.fed.us.
Comments may also be hand-delivered to the Dolores District Office at 29211 Colorado Highway 184 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
