The impact of cattle grazing on aspen regeneration on crown lands in western Manitoba

Abstract

In North America there has been an increasing appreciation for the value of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) as a source of timber. Moreover, trembling aspen stands and the understory vegetation that they support also provide valuable forage for livestock and wildlife. Timber harvesting and cattle grazing are often done on the same area of land in western Manitoba, though not simultaneously. The purpose of this project is to summarize the effects cattle grazing has on regeneration numbers and forest health in post-harvest aspen stands in the Aspen Parkland of western Manitoba.