Cows help Reseeding Project
Friday, April 11, 2008 Salt Lake City
Planes aid in success of reseeding program
Published: Thursday, April 10, 2008 12:08 a.m. MDT
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Last year, wildlife biologists used an old-fashioned but innovative approach to restoring habitat for mule deer and other wildlife at the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area by teaming cattle with airplanes.
Two seasons of intensive grazing by cattle had removed much of the cheatgrass on the south-facing slopes of Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Conditions were ideal for reseeding the area with plants that are perfect for the wildlife.
The reseeding effort was part of a long-range Division of Wildlife Resources’ plan to restore critical big game winter habitats at Hardware Ranch, which is 15 miles east of Hyrum.
Park of the plan involved airplanes dropping nearly $30,000 worth of seed on the ground.
The seed mixture the planes dropped was a special blend of forbs and shrubs. The plants are designed to give wildlife the nutrition and energy they need to survive harsh winters. These plants are also designed to help wildlife transition from their winter diet to spring and summer diets.
Because of the terrain, using heavy equipment to resort hillsides was impossible.
Instead, livestock were put into the area to graze. This was followed up by reseeding the mountainside by airplane.
