WestWater biologists have conducted annual monitoring of grazing utilization for 7 pastures for a privately-owned ranch located in northwest Colorado. Both quantitative and qualitative vegetation monitoring is conducted.

Utilization cages were placed in strategic locations throughout the pastures to compare the ungrazed with the surrounding grazed areas in order to quantity percent use for the pastures.

The data collected helps to inform landowners and managers if stocking rates are at acceptable levels or need to be adjusted based on grazing patterns and intensity.