Ranchers, as well as resource managers, are concerned about the effects of grazing on burned areas. Because of the large size of the Sanford burn and the vegetation mosaics created, large ungulates, like deer and elk, will most likely move across the landscape in natural patterns, having relatively no effect on regeneration. However, Brian Ferguson, Silviculturist notes that, “Cumulative impacts [grazing plus deer and elk], may cause detrimental effects on a site specific basis,” and recommends that sheep and cattle be managed under intense grazing strategies to allow for recovery.

Ferguson, as well as others, suggests that areas seeded with grass and forbs receive at least two full growing seasons of rest, while aspen and cottonwood areas avoided until plant stems average six feet tall. Range managers will continue to work closely with permittees to assure adequate grazing and restoration needs are met.

Increasing elk harvest numbers to reduce browsing impacts, allowing herd numbers to increase as the vegetation re-establishes, placing guzzlers on ridge tops, and fencing riparian areas, are other options that may be considered in the future to help decrease impact on recovering ranges.

Livestock and wildlife are drawn to burned areas because of the palatable re-emerging vegetation; however, some areas cannot withstand this impact and large animals must be temporarily excluded from the area.