General Info
Mule deer habiat restoration
November 3–7, 2008
Overview
Wildland fire, drought, and grazing by sheep, cattle, and deer have reduced quality mule deer habitat on the westside of the Kaibab Plateau. In addition, invasive species, such as cheatgrass, have become well established in many sites thereby precluding the reestablishment of native species. The Bridger-Knoll fire (1996) burned over a quarter of the total woodland habitat on the Westside and approximately 50% of winter range for deer. Most importantly, remaining winter range for deer is compromised primarily due to unnatural fuel loads from cheat grass. In addition, mid-late successional pinyon-juniper woodlands maintain little to no understory and important browse species in these areas are being out competed for precipitation and sun.
In order to improve habitat conditions, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Forest Service are implementing treatments that will increase structural diversity of wildlife habitat by direct seeding of browse species such as Four-wing saltbush, sagebrush, and cliffrose and grass species such as needle and thread, Indian rice grass, and sand dropseed. In the future, we hope to increase vegetation biodiversity by planting native seed in overgrown pinyon and juniper woodlands. This increased vegetation will not only serve as an important food for wintering deer, but aide in watershed protection by increasing soil stability.
Itinerary
| Day 1: Monday November 3 | Meet at Trust at 2 pm- pack up trucks and depart for the Arizona Game and Fish Ryan Station- dinner and orientation |
|---|---|
| Day 2: Tuesday November 4 | Collect seed |
| Day 3: Wednesday November 5 | Collect and clean seed |
| Day 4: Thursday November 6 | Rake seed and afternoon hike |
| Day 5: Friday November 7 | Enjoy great breakfast, clean up camp, and head back to Flagstaff by late afternoon |
