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Renner <br />June 26, 1987 <br />Page 3 <br />composition. The alfalfa can be beneficial to big game <br />(deer and elk), upland game birds (sharp-tailed grouse), <br />small mammals such as marmots, and subsequently raptors <br />(golden eagles and red-tailed hawks). These all occur on <br />or are frequent users of these alfalfa stands. In <br />particular, field observations in the spring of 1987 have <br />shown extensive use of fields 79-1, 79-2, 79-3, 81-1, and <br />81-2 (see Map 1 to Appendix 13-4) by elk. These fields <br />contain some of the heaviest alfalfa composition in the <br />area. <br />The areas of highest alfalfa composition were then <br />considered in light of using heavy grazing pressure to <br />achieve the short-term goals of alfalfa eradication or <br />significant reduction. First, eradication is probably not <br />feasible under any plan, nor is it desirable. From a soil <br />nutrient standpoint and from a nutritional value <br />standpoint, alfalfa is recognized as a valuable resource. <br />From a view of significant reduction, however, the biggest <br />question appears to be how to control potential bloat <br />problems. <br />According to Valentine (1971, see submitted plan) to <br />control/prevent bloat legume production should be limited <br />to 40-50 percent of the pasture mix. Going back to data <br />presented in Appendix 13-4, percent alfalfa composition in <br />the target years are as follows: <br />1979 - 40.11% <br />1980 - 31.95% <br />1981 - 56.09% <br />Again, these are summarized data which do not account for <br />the variability within the individual years. In addition, <br />the grazing unit as proposed will be less, overall, than <br />the limits described above. <br />In addition, the following eight bloat control management <br />procedures have already been incorporated into the Alfalfa <br />Management and Control Plan. <br />a. If grazing is to occur in the spring, animals will be <br />turned-in prior to the warmer growing temperatures to <br />acclimate livestock to the forage and to avoid <br />"flush" alfalfa growth. Animals must be well fed <br />(including roughage) prior to turn-in. Because of <br />limited or no previous grazing in reclaimed areas, <br />considerable aftermath roughage from the previous <br />year's growth will be available at least during the <br />first year's grazing. If grazing is to be delayed <br />