Quote:
Originally Posted by Vindalbakken
I wonder if the gov't has discussed the use of shrub control chemicals that have become very popular for reclaiming agricultural pasture land. What would be the issues surrounding the use of these to "improve" the higher sheep habitat.
Maybe an idea for a grant proposal to the ACA? A test area? Someone like SG to identify a problem area, assemble an application team and set up a long term monitoring for efficacy.
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Probably not the best idea as the chemicals you speak of are not recommended for slopes or non-porous soils. Run off would pool these chemicals and cause other problems such as poisoning of local wildlife and or contamination of headwaters. I saw some of these chemical being used near Summit lake in BC (just outside the Alberta border). Run off from the vegetation down the slopes into the creek killed off 85% of the Cutthroat Trout that were spawning last spring. The company responsible still has not been dealt with so it will probably happen again this year.
In response to other thoughts on Management: More sheep would be nice to have as long as it does not hurt the sheep themselves and/or come at a cost to other wildlife populations. Populations of wildlife should be managed for healthy numbers and habitat not for the appeasement of hunters that don't understand the importance of balance.