Forest Grazing: Managing Your Land for Trees, Forage, and Livestock

Livestock grazing is common in Utah forests and woodlands and often plays an important role in the management decisions of Utah landowners. The reasons for this are partly economic. Timber rotations are long in Utah, and many landowners cannot wait up to 100 years to realize an economic return on their property. Livestock, by contrast, can provide yearly income. The reduced property taxes that come with Greenbelt status are another economic incentive to graze forest land. Finally, research shows that raising livestock is an important cultural activity in Utah. Most of Utah’s family forests have a long history of being grazed, and landowners want to continue this tradition. Fortunately, there are many management practices that can maintain or even improve forage production while also maintaining or enhancing forest health. With a little planning, multiple benefits can be realized by managing for sustainable interactions between trees, forage, and livestock.