Sagebrush Treatments

Having one of these could actually making mowing the lawn fun…mule deer and other species appreciate it; this mower is helping improve habitat on over 30,000 acres in Wyoming. For close to fifteen years, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has worked to enhance sagebrush steppe habitats specifically where mule deer and greater sage-grouse live. It’s through the department’s Mule Deer Initiative (MDI) projects, currently ongoing in several areas throughout the state, including the Platte Valley, central and south Wyoming, and Sublette regions…and here in the Baggs area.
In many of these locations, sagebrush cover density averages over 40% and over 60% in specific pastures. Mowing these areas reduces sage brush density, increasing the forb, grass and shrub growth and availability, diversifying age class structure of the brush community, while increasing resilience to disease and fire. This in turn increases the palatability and nutritional value of the brush for wildlife, and disperses livestock across pastures. Shrub consumption by mule deer can be as much as 90% of the forage they ingest. When mule deer migrate through these treatment areas, snow levels won’t impede the animal’s ability to forage and end up providing important shrubs and other plants to help deer get through the winter. Pregnant does benefit here too; more options for forage support fetal development.
Two 100hp or larger tractors with 20’ batwing mowers treat the areas. The deck height is adjusted depending on density, slope, and presence of hazards but the stubble height should average 6-8” so that not every shrub is killed, leaving a fair amount of them to regrow. Since 2014, WGFD personnel have enhanced habitats for approximately 30,000 acres throughout the state. The mosaic pattern is used to ensure cover remains in the area for small mammals and birds and also recognizes the importance of greater sage-grouse species and their leks that may be in close proximity to this type of habitat improvement. This also reduces the hard edge or corridor effect that predators often exploit when hunting.
Without quality habitat, Wyoming’s hunting and fishing would be extremely impacted. Projects like these enable Wyoming’s mule deer to remain vibrant…and provide better opportunity for hunters.