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loam range site is similar to the sagebrush type. Associated with the deteriorated range • condition is the high density of shrubs which occur on the site at the expense of the herbaceous component. According to SCS range site descriptions and analysis of the baseline vegetation data, shrub densities on the site are estimated to be higher than optimum. These densities may be two to four times higher than the allowable amounts for optimum range condition. Additionally, the northern portion of the permit area was burned in the last 10 to 20 years which has encouraged extensive suckering in the mixed brush type and an increase in mountain snorvberry in the sagebrush type (see Tab 10, Appendix 10-9). Aspen stands have also been affected by livestock grazing, particularly sheep grazing. Many of the aspen stands in the permit area have somewhat depaupera to understory vegetation and a distinct lack of regeneration. Existing stands are dominated by mature and decadent trees. These observations are consistent with those in other areas of the west (DeByle and Winokur, 1985). While diminished range condition can be attributed to livestock grazing, it is further compounded by the ecological characteristics of the woody plant communities and the livestock and wildlife utilization patterns occurring in these communities. The woody component in these communities readily increases when the herbaceous component is reduced • in vigor or eliminated. Cattle and sheep are not carried on the permit area during the winter months, thus eliminating any winter browsing of woody species by livestock. Livestock grazing begins in late May or early June. During the summer months, both cattle and sheep center their foraging preferences on the more nutritious and palatable herbaceous species. While some browsing of the woody species by livestock does occur during the summer, it is generally limited because of the availability of succulent and more palatable species. In all, the woody component is favored in these native stands. In addition to livestock grazing, wildlife data for the permit area (see Tab 11, Wildlife Survey) indicates that utilization of browse by big game is not excessive. The highest use of browse by big game is expected to occur during the winter months. During the summer months, use of browse will drop and big game will concentrate on the more nutritious and palatable herbaceous species. Again, the woody component may be favored. The apparent light use of browse by big game and livestock, coupled with the ability of the woody species to increase under livestock grazing, has resulted in higher woody plant 2