Vernon Cedar Cutting/Chaining

[OpeningDay]

Took a trip out to the Simpson side of the Vernon on Saturday in hopes of seeing a few deer. I was amazed at how much work is going on out there. They are chaining a ton of Cedars out on the north end near the Pony Express road. I am talking hundreds of acres. This is a good thing for the animals I know. Here is what had me confused. Up in the higher elevations, they had chainsawed a ton of cedars down to about a foot high. This is in areas that I cant see as being "over run" with trees. In fact, in some areas, these cedars were the only cover between the high peaks and the really low sage country. Does anyone have any idea what the objective would be for this high country hair cut??

 

[Tomichi]

Call the agency and ask. It's your public land. Monitor the results for us
Please. Pick a land mark and take a pic from there every time your through there. I have always been a huge supporter of fire but now the Cheat Grass scars he'll out of me.
I am interested in what the invasive plants do after a large mechanical treatment. Keep us posted on results.

 

[DesertRanch]

They aren't chaining the Junipers. They are doing the shredding and "lop & Scatter" projects because of the Sage Grouse. While it may benefit the almost endangered Grouse, it will sure change the habitat for every other critter. Big bucks need water, grazing and cover. Taking away the cover isn't a good recipe, in my opinion, for big bucks. The entire project is funded by the USFW routed through the State of Utah. And it's very, very expensive! As a cattleman, it will improve the range for cows. But I disagree totally with the cost and the mindset behind the projects. Like almost everything else the government touches, it makes little sense and wastes a lot of money!