Timing of Vegetation Sampling at Greater Sage-Grouse Nests
Abstract
The economic and ecological benefits and control costs of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalisHook) management onrangelands are evaluated using a discrete-time, dynamic economic model developed to depict 4 representative ranches in theJohn Day region of north-central Oregon. The model’s optimization criterion is to maximize the net present value of profitsthrough decisions regarding herd size and composition, cattle sales, and the manipulation of forage production through junipermanagement practices. Projections are made regarding the impacts of economically optimal juniper management on wildlifepopulations, stream flows, and erosion levels. Results consistently showed that juniper management options resulted in largerequilibrium herd sizes and greater economic returns. Erosion levels were substantially lower in scenarios that contained junipermanagement options. Economically optimal juniper management decisions led to increased quail and elk populations, butgenerally resulted in decreased deer populations. The results indicate there are both economic and ecological benefits fromcontrolling western juniper on Oregon rangelands