Using Planned Grazing in the Management of Native Grasslands
Thursday, March 8

Presented by: Kent Reeves, East Bay Municipal Utility District & instructor for California Native Grasslands Association

Although there are gaps in research-based knowledge in regards to managing for California’s native grasslands, the initial grazing/classroom portion of this workshop will discuss planning a livestock grazing program which seeks to control annual invasive species while enhancing native perennial species. How to select an appropriate herbivore, timing of grazing and intensity of grazing, managing riparian areas, grazing system and tools needed for a successful grazing regime will be explored. Real life experiences, successful and less successful, will provide context for the discussions.

Using Planned Grazing in the Management of Native Grasslands and Riparian Areas

We will visit three sites on Thursday, March 8th, to view grazing management practices that benefit native grasslands, riparian areas, and ultimately fish and wildlife. We will visit the Walker Creek and McDonald Ranches in western Marin County. The McDonald Ranch was featured in the California Cattlemen’s Association publication Grazing for Change. We will then turn our attention to the Point Reyes National Seashore and the range management program that includes livestock and reintroduced tule elk.