Tools & Methods

Ecosystem restoration will require a variety of tools to create the desired UP goals for landscape vegetative mosaic and species/age class diversity. Each tool and the manner it is used will create a specific result or anticipated product. Tools for restoration fall under five basic categories, 1) Mechanical Methods, 2) Prescribed Fire, 3) Prescribed Grazing, 4) Chemical Treatment and 5) Biological. Project objectives, site conditions, weather, cost, tool availability, public opinion, archaeological sites, state and federal laws and policy are the primary considerations in selecting the appropriate tool.

Following is a description and discussion of the major tools for consideration including its description, operation, cost, and constraints:

MECHANICAL METHODS

Roller Chopping

The roller chopper is a large steel cylindrical drum, equipped with several blades protruding 12-14 inches along the entire width. It is towed behind a crawler-type tractor to knock down and break up mature vegetation. It is frequently used in mature or mid-aged pinyon-juniper and shrub stands, on slopes less that 15 percent with a limited amount of shelf-rock or large rocks or boulders. Roller chopping can be done anytime the soil is firm and dry enough to support the heavy equipment. Results are best when done in cold weather. A single roller chopper can treat 15-25 acres a day, depending on its width, and the type of vegetation and terrain involved. Seeding with native species is recommended and can be done behind the cat or applied aerially before the project.

Hydro-Ax

The Hydro-Ax is a large articulated tractor with a 6-8 foot wide, hydraulically controlled mower/mulcher head mounted on the front. The machine has rubber, flotation-type tires which result in minimal ground disturbance. A single machine can treat up to 20 acres per day and can operate on slopes up to about 20 percent. The machine has the capability of being highly selective and can meander through a stand of trees removing selected trees, or patches to create a desired mosaic. The machine chops and mulches the plant material into the desired size, which can range from fist-size to 3-4 foot long sections or larger. Stump height can be controlled, and may vary from below ground level to any desired heights. It can operate on most ground surface conditions, including rather large sized rocks. The Hydro-Ax head is lifted above the tree or shrub top and lowered quickly, usually completely chopping the plant in less than 15 seconds. The Hydro-Ax is used in most vegetative types including mountain shrub, and pinyon/juniper stands with stem diameters up to 15-18 inches. Seeding with native species is recommended with the operation or as an aerial application prior to treatment.

Fecon Flail

The Fecon Flail is a “track hoe” equipped with a 3 to 6 foot wide by 2 foot diameter drum on the end of the boom that is used to chop/grind the vegetation. The flail is used in most vegetation types, from sagebrush to larger pinyon-juniper trees. Estimated production per day is 4-6 acres when clear cutting, depending on the nature of the project. It can be used on fairly steep slopes and with great precision. The most detailed mosaics can be created. It can chop vegetation into very small pieces and thus, can be used in a manner that will avoid damage to nearby houses and other structures. Seeding can be done with the operation, or aerially applied before treatment.

Dixie Harrow

The “Dixie Harrow” consists of a large spike tooth harrow pulled by a 4-wheel drive rubber tired tractor equipped with a three-point hitch. The Dixie harrow can be used in sagebrush or other small shrub stands and offers a high degree of control with results similar to fire. Factors such as the pattern of treatment, residual density of sagebrush, seeding, and timing all can be controlled.

In most cases, a once over treatment will reduce big sage by 50-60%, and a twice over treatment will result in a 90-95% reduction. Seeding may be done by casting the seed from a “whirly bird” seeder mounted to the front of the tractor. A 200 hp+ tractor is suggested, and can cover approximately 45 acres per day with the twice-over method.

Brush Mowing

The brush hog is a large rotary mower pulled behind an 80-100 hp tractor equipped with a P.T.O. Its use would be limited to sagebrush and other small shrubs in areas that were fairly gentle terrain and with no large rocks or down trees. Best results occur in sagebrush stands where good residual herbaceous vegetation is present. Because ground disturbance is minimal, seeding success is usually not good. The height to which the target species is cut may range from ground level to 12-15 inches high. The degree of sagebrush mortality and re-growth can be controlled by the height above ground level the plants are cut. Cutting to less than 4 inches will probably result in 85-100% mortality. Leaving greater than a 10 inch height may result in a kill of only 40-60 percent. The mobility of this tool will facilitate ease in creating a complex treatment design.

Chaining

Chaining consists of dragging a large ship anchor chain attached to two bulldozers across the landscape to knock down the vegetation, allowing new growth to emerge. Single or double pass operations are done. Double chaining operations consist of reversing the direction on the second pass to achieve greater kill of the vegetation. Chaining is done primarily in pinyon-juniper stands, but can be used on sagebrush. Chaining can be done on a wide range of surface conditions. The presence of large surface rocks is limiting. Chaining results are best in mature pinyon-juniper, poor results occur in mid to young-aged pinyon-juniper trees. Seed is normally applied aerially before the operation.

Commercial Forest Product Removal

Commercial Forest Product Removal consists of a number of types of operations, including logging, post and pole and firewood cutting. These tools may be used in lieu of other treatment methods if it meets the project objectives, is feasible, economical and provides local economic benefit. A wide range of situations may exist for use of this tool depending on the condition of the forest product market at the time the project is desired. Development of new sustainable harvesting methods will be an important restoration tool.

Roads, Trails and Utility Corridors Restoration

Reclaiming and reseeding unnecessary roads and trails, re-shaping vegetation lines along utility rights-of-ways and restoring native plants are important tools to reduce wildlife habitat fragmentation, restore native plants, reduce erosion and protect sensitive physical utility facilities from catastrophic fires.

Exclosures

Exclosures utilizing fences, vegetation, gates and other means may be used to protect newly restored areas from motorized vehicles or grazing. Newly restored areas may need temporary rest over a period of time for recovery, while other areas such as native seed production areas may need to be totally closed to any wildlife or livestock grazing to maximize seed production.

PRESCRIBED FIRE

Prescribed fire is a preferred tool for use on the Uncompahgre Plateau to accomplish vegetative objectives. When conditions are suitable it can be applied to fuels in their natural or modified state, under specified conditions, weather, and other variables, to allow the fire to achieve site-specific resource objectives. Prescribed fire can be used to control certain species, enhance growth, reproduction, or vigor of certain species, manage fuel loading, and maintain vegetation community types that are fire dependent. Risks of using fire include: 1) potential weed invasion, e.g., cheat-grass, dominating the site following burning, 2) getting larger than desired burned areas with straight, rather than undulating edge, because too little pre-burn vegetative diversity existed to be able to control the burn, 3) fire escape and associated risk to life and property, 4) ineffectiveness of treatment due to inadequate prescriptions. 5) Impact on watershed management and water issues. Seeding is necessary on burned sites where non-native species are a significant threat, and for best results seed is usually aerially applied during the first fall following the burn. Research is underway (UW) to determine where seeding is necessary and where natural succession can be relied upon to re-establish native plants after disturbance. Burn treatments would be applied in accordance with agency policy and procedure, and fire planning guidance.

Click here to read more about using prescribed fire as a tool.

PRESCRIBED GRAZING

Livestock grazing may be used as a tool to accomplish some vegetative objectives. Grazing is a natural process, and may be used in lieu of mechanical, chemical, or prescribed fire to accomplish some specific vegetative objectives. Techniques such as salt distribution, water access, and temporary electric fencing can be used to direct grazing to achieve grazing objectives. Cattle, sheep, or goats can be used to selectively suppress, inhibit or control herbaceous and woody vegetation. Animal impact to disturb the ground surface and incorporate seed into the soil, and add organic material is a common example of using livestock as a treatment tool. In some cases livestock are used to attempt to control noxious or invasive vegetation, or to keep a vegetative community at, or move it into a specific seral stage.

The development of grass banks and alternative grazing allotments will be important to rest areas that have been treated and need time to recover. Some areas that receive heavy grazing may need to be fenced to prohibit grazing by wildlife and livestock, e.g., native seed collection sites.

CHEMICAL TREATMENT

A variety of chemicals or herbicides are available for use in managing vegetation to meet desired objectives. Spike, Roundup, Rodeo, Escort and Tordon, are examples. Such treatments must be conducted in accordance with Agency and State procedures and laws, and product label standards. Chemicals can be use to accomplish specific results, and can be applied by many different methods. The selected technique depends on a number of variables, 1) treatment objective (removal or reduction), 2) accessibility of the site, 3) topography, 4) size of the treatment area, 5) characteristics of the target species and the desired vegetation, 6) the location of sensitive areas, 7) anticipated cost and equipment limitations, 8) and weather and vegetative conditions at time of treatment, 9) Soil types and considerations. Herbicide applications should be schedule and designed to minimize potential impacts on non-target plant and animal species.

BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT

An important tool for restoration will be the use of biological treatments. The utilization of native plants for restoring disturbed sites is paramount to restoration success. Historic vegetative treatments were often re-seeded with non-native species that successfully adapted to site conditions and provided soil stability for erosion control and forage for livestock. However, some of these species have continued to dominate and out-compete native species after 40 years. Research efforts currently underway are directed at looking at opportunities and constraints of vegetative treatments on native plants. A Native Plant Development Program and vegetation plan are underway to determine the best way to propagate native plants for restoration efforts and the best management techniques for utilizing native seed production areas.


	UP Project • Home • Current News • Executive Summary • UP Project Facts • The Uncompahgre Plateau • Landscape-Level Planning • Spring Creek/Dry Creek • Ironhorse • Big Dominguez • A Need for Restoration • Native Plant Program • Invasive Species Management • Other Projects & Studies • Education & Outreach • Awards • Slideshow • UP Publications • Contact Us		Ecosystem restoration will require a variety of tools to create the desired UP goals for landscape vegetative mosaic and species/age class diversity. Each tool and the manner it is used will create a specific result or anticipated product. Tools for restoration fall under five basic categories, 1) Mechanical Methods, 2) Prescribed Fire, 3) Prescribed Grazing, 4) Chemical Treatment and 5) Biological. Project objectives, site conditions, weather, cost, tool availability, public opinion, archaeological sites, state and federal laws and policy are the primary considerations in selecting the appropriate tool. Following is a description and discussion of the major tools for consideration including its description, operation, cost, and constraints: MECHANICAL METHODS Roller Chopping The roller chopper is a large steel cylindrical drum, equipped with several blades protruding 12-14 inches along the entire width. It is towed behind a crawler-type tractor to knock down and break up mature vegetation. It is frequently used in mature or mid-aged pinyon-juniper and shrub stands, on slopes less that 15 percent with a limited amount of shelf-rock or large rocks or boulders. Roller chopping can be done anytime the soil is firm and dry enough to support the heavy equipment. Results are best when done in cold weather. A single roller chopper can treat 15-25 acres a day, depending on its width, and the type of vegetation and terrain involved. Seeding with native species is recommended and can be done behind the cat or applied aerially before the project. Hydro-Ax The Hydro-Ax is a large articulated tractor with a 6-8 foot wide, hydraulically controlled mower/mulcher head mounted on the front. The machine has rubber, flotation-type tires which result in minimal ground disturbance. A single machine can treat up to 20 acres per day and can operate on slopes up to about 20 percent. The machine has the capability of being highly selective and can meander through a stand of trees removing selected trees, or patches to create a desired mosaic. The machine chops and mulches the plant material into the desired size, which can range from fist-size to 3-4 foot long sections or larger. Stump height can be controlled, and may vary from below ground level to any desired heights. It can operate on most ground surface conditions, including rather large sized rocks. The Hydro-Ax head is lifted above the tree or shrub top and lowered quickly, usually completely chopping the plant in less than 15 seconds. The Hydro-Ax is used in most vegetative types including mountain shrub, and pinyon/juniper stands with stem diameters up to 15-18 inches. Seeding with native species is recommended with the operation or as an aerial application prior to treatment. Fecon Flail The Fecon Flail is a “track hoe” equipped with a 3 to 6 foot wide by 2 foot diameter drum on the end of the boom that is used to chop/grind the vegetation. The flail is used in most vegetation types, from sagebrush to larger pinyon-juniper trees. Estimated production per day is 4-6 acres when clear cutting, depending on the nature of the project. It can be used on fairly steep slopes and with great precision. The most detailed mosaics can be created. It can chop vegetation into very small pieces and thus, can be used in a manner that will avoid damage to nearby houses and other structures. Seeding can be done with the operation, or aerially applied before treatment. Dixie Harrow The “Dixie Harrow” consists of a large spike tooth harrow pulled by a 4-wheel drive rubber tired tractor equipped with a three-point hitch. The Dixie harrow can be used in sagebrush or other small shrub stands and offers a high degree of control with results similar to fire. Factors such as the pattern of treatment, residual density of sagebrush, seeding, and timing all can be controlled. In most cases, a once over treatment will reduce big sage by 50-60%, and a twice over treatment will result in a 90-95% reduction. Seeding may be done by casting the seed from a “whirly bird” seeder mounted to the front of the tractor. A 200 hp+ tractor is suggested, and can cover approximately 45 acres per day with the twice-over method. Brush Mowing The brush hog is a large rotary mower pulled behind an 80-100 hp tractor equipped with a P.T.O. Its use would be limited to sagebrush and other small shrubs in areas that were fairly gentle terrain and with no large rocks or down trees. Best results occur in sagebrush stands where good residual herbaceous vegetation is present. Because ground disturbance is minimal, seeding success is usually not good. The height to which the target species is cut may range from ground level to 12-15 inches high. The degree of sagebrush mortality and re-growth can be controlled by the height above ground level the plants are cut. Cutting to less than 4 inches will probably result in 85-100% mortality. Leaving greater than a 10 inch height may result in a kill of only 40-60 percent. The mobility of this tool will facilitate ease in creating a complex treatment design. Chaining Chaining consists of dragging a large ship anchor chain attached to two bulldozers across the landscape to knock down the vegetation, allowing new growth to emerge. Single or double pass operations are done. Double chaining operations consist of reversing the direction on the second pass to achieve greater kill of the vegetation. Chaining is done primarily in pinyon-juniper stands, but can be used on sagebrush. Chaining can be done on a wide range of surface conditions. The presence of large surface rocks is limiting. Chaining results are best in mature pinyon-juniper, poor results occur in mid to young-aged pinyon-juniper trees. Seed is normally applied aerially before the operation. Commercial Forest Product Removal Commercial Forest Product Removal consists of a number of types of operations, including logging, post and pole and firewood cutting. These tools may be used in lieu of other treatment methods if it meets the project objectives, is feasible, economical and provides local economic benefit. A wide range of situations may exist for use of this tool depending on the condition of the forest product market at the time the project is desired. Development of new sustainable harvesting methods will be an important restoration tool. Roads, Trails and Utility Corridors Restoration Reclaiming and reseeding unnecessary roads and trails, re-shaping vegetation lines along utility rights-of-ways and restoring native plants are important tools to reduce wildlife habitat fragmentation, restore native plants, reduce erosion and protect sensitive physical utility facilities from catastrophic fires. Exclosures Exclosures utilizing fences, vegetation, gates and other means may be used to protect newly restored areas from motorized vehicles or grazing. Newly restored areas may need temporary rest over a period of time for recovery, while other areas such as native seed production areas may need to be totally closed to any wildlife or livestock grazing to maximize seed production. PRESCRIBED FIRE Prescribed fire is a preferred tool for use on the Uncompahgre Plateau to accomplish vegetative objectives. When conditions are suitable it can be applied to fuels in their natural or modified state, under specified conditions, weather, and other variables, to allow the fire to achieve site-specific resource objectives. Prescribed fire can be used to control certain species, enhance growth, reproduction, or vigor of certain species, manage fuel loading, and maintain vegetation community types that are fire dependent. Risks of using fire include: 1) potential weed invasion, e.g., cheat-grass, dominating the site following burning, 2) getting larger than desired burned areas with straight, rather than undulating edge, because too little pre-burn vegetative diversity existed to be able to control the burn, 3) fire escape and associated risk to life and property, 4) ineffectiveness of treatment due to inadequate prescriptions. 5) Impact on watershed management and water issues. Seeding is necessary on burned sites where non-native species are a significant threat, and for best results seed is usually aerially applied during the first fall following the burn. Research is underway (UW) to determine where seeding is necessary and where natural succession can be relied upon to re-establish native plants after disturbance. Burn treatments would be applied in accordance with agency policy and procedure, and fire planning guidance. Click here to read more about using prescribed fire as a tool. PRESCRIBED GRAZING Livestock grazing may be used as a tool to accomplish some vegetative objectives. Grazing is a natural process, and may be used in lieu of mechanical, chemical, or prescribed fire to accomplish some specific vegetative objectives. Techniques such as salt distribution, water access, and temporary electric fencing can be used to direct grazing to achieve grazing objectives. Cattle, sheep, or goats can be used to selectively suppress, inhibit or control herbaceous and woody vegetation. Animal impact to disturb the ground surface and incorporate seed into the soil, and add organic material is a common example of using livestock as a treatment tool. In some cases livestock are used to attempt to control noxious or invasive vegetation, or to keep a vegetative community at, or move it into a specific seral stage. The development of grass banks and alternative grazing allotments will be important to rest areas that have been treated and need time to recover. Some areas that receive heavy grazing may need to be fenced to prohibit grazing by wildlife and livestock, e.g., native seed collection sites. CHEMICAL TREATMENT A variety of chemicals or herbicides are available for use in managing vegetation to meet desired objectives. Spike, Roundup, Rodeo, Escort and Tordon, are examples. Such treatments must be conducted in accordance with Agency and State procedures and laws, and product label standards. Chemicals can be use to accomplish specific results, and can be applied by many different methods. The selected technique depends on a number of variables, 1) treatment objective (removal or reduction), 2) accessibility of the site, 3) topography, 4) size of the treatment area, 5) characteristics of the target species and the desired vegetation, 6) the location of sensitive areas, 7) anticipated cost and equipment limitations, 8) and weather and vegetative conditions at time of treatment, 9) Soil types and considerations. Herbicide applications should be schedule and designed to minimize potential impacts on non-target plant and animal species. BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT An important tool for restoration will be the use of biological treatments. The utilization of native plants for restoring disturbed sites is paramount to restoration success. Historic vegetative treatments were often re-seeded with non-native species that successfully adapted to site conditions and provided soil stability for erosion control and forage for livestock. However, some of these species have continued to dominate and out-compete native species after 40 years. Research efforts currently underway are directed at looking at opportunities and constraints of vegetative treatments on native plants. A Native Plant Development Program and vegetation plan are underway to determine the best way to propagate native plants for restoration efforts and the best management techniques for utilizing native seed production areas.