Gaining Control of Woody Encroachment on Pasturelands
Ranchers have observed an increase in woody species, such as western snowberry (or buckbrush) and wolf willow in their pasturelands. With the increase of woody species or brush density; comes reduced acres for livestock grazing. With the loss of grazing acres, comes a large economic cost. With the increased density of woody species, the grassland is also negatively impacted through a shift in the desired plant community. Major barriers to addressing woody encroachment are, that it is time consuming and costly.