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detrimentally affected by significant utilization, while sagebrush has been relatively <br />• untouched by livestock. <br />6) To improve moisture infiltration into the soil...fandl reduce sheet and rill erosion. <br />Results of research in North Dakota (see Hofmann et al. 1983) indicate that light to <br />moderate grazing intensities on mined lands can 6e practiced without detrimentally <br />affecting runoff and erosion. However, I know of no direct evidence suggesting an <br />improvement of surface hydrology on mined lands (i.e., higher infiltration and/or lower <br />runoff and erosion) in consequence of grazing. In light of this and my limited <br />familiarity with past work on hoof action-surface water interactions, I am uncertain <br />on the likelihood of meeting this specific objective of grazing. Nonetheless, the <br />effects of grazing on surface hydrology are obviously worth investigating, since <br />whether they prove positive, neutral or negative will be an important determinant of <br />the advisability of this management practice. <br />I do hope the above comments prove somewhat helpful to you. To summarize, I can <br />firmly support your proposal to begin implementing grazing as a reclamation practice <br />at Trapper. I feel the strongest case in favor of grazing can be made in terms of your <br />objectives on livestock production; litter reduction and its attendant promotion of <br />nutrient cycling, soil improvement and increased plant vigor; and improvement of <br />vegetation diversity. These benefits are certainly sufficient, in my opinion, to fully <br />justify establishing a controlled grazing program. Your other grazing objectives are <br />desirable, logical and possibly feasible, but are not as strongly supported by existing <br />• information from past work. <br />Please feel free to contact me should you have further questions on any of the above <br />or other paints, and accept my commendation on your efforts to implement this <br />important, potentially valuable new component of your reclamation program at <br />Trapper. <br />Sincerely, <br />C.•~L• <br />Edward J. DePuit <br />Professor of Range Management <br />• <br />