Cattle Grazing and Its Impact on FWC Lands

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages its lands for multiple-use purposes, including cattle grazing on a few select Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). It is on these lands that Upland Habitat scientists currently study the effects of cattle grazing on the vegetation of natural Florida ecosystems. Grazing effects are examined using paired study areas: one is open and the other is enclosed. This study is conducted in forested wetlands, herbaceous wetlands, mesic flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, and dry prairie on the Wildlife Management Areas of Caravelle Ranch, Half Moon, Three Lakes, and Triple N Ranch. Among the factors being studied are: total plant cover, litter cover, bare ground, plant height, and abundance of individual plant species. Information from this research will help biologists manage cattle on state lands in a beneficial and sustainable manner. To date, there have been no negative impacts to natural ecosystems observed, which is probably due to the fact that cattle are stocked at one-half the rate recommended by the Natural Resources Conservation Service for each WMA. However, some localized impacts do occur. The impacts tend to be located next to salt blocks, molasses troughs, or other loafing areas. They can be eased by periodically relocating these types of stations.

Reference: Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida 2010 Edition (PDF 19 MB)

Data collection plot set to analyze total plant cover, litter cover, bare ground,
plant height, and abundance of individual plant species.

Upland Habitat Biologists analyze plant species in a floodplain forest at Half
Moon WMA to better understand the effects of cattle grazing on state lands.