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Kitchen Corral Restoration
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| |  Project Description:
Approximately 800 acres of degraded range was burned and seeded in the Mollies Nipple Allotment in 1995. This effort did not produce the desired result of providing healthy range conditions and increased forage. Russian thistle and other annual weeds currently dominate the site. The site is currently in need of restoration efforts to prevent a total conversion to cheatgrass and other invasive weed species. Approximately 450 acres are planned for restoration in Fall 2005. Site treatment would include use of a rangeland drill and a three seed mixes emphasizing native shrubs, grasses and forbs. Success criteria and contingency plans will be developed to match the site potential and reference conditions. Grazing exclosures will be installed to monitor the response of the treatment in the absence of grazing. The site will be fenced to prevent livestock use during periods of trailing through the canyon.
Current Research/Monitoring:
Baseline vegetation studies have been placed in the project area and we plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the three different seed mixes in competing with the annual weed population. We will also be monitoring the response of the seeding in the absence of grazing through grazing exclosures.
Future Research Needs:
- Competitiveness of seeded species with invasive species such as Russian thistle and annual mustards
- Long term response of seeding to grazing rest
- Development of soil characteristics following seeding
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