ELK AND DOMESTIC SHEEP INTERACTIONS IN A NORTH-CENTRAL UTAH ASPEN ECOSYSTEM

Relationships of elk and domestic sheep sharing a common 100.1 km(2)(2 4,735 acre) range dominated by aspen were studied from May 1993 throug h October 1994 in the Willow Creek Demonstration Area on the Heber Ran ger District, Uinta National Forest, in north-central Utah. Important findings included seasonal feeding site selection, preferences for for age, dietary overlap, use of natural mineral licks, use of sheep salt placements, effects of biting flies on elk, habitat selection by elk a nd sheep, and migration patterns of elk. Forage selection is related t o nutritional levels in plants and available minerals. Similarities in elk and sheep seasonal dietary fractions are presented for 142 vascul ar plant species. Browsing impacts on important woody species are deta iled. Management indicator species ate designated. Management recommen dations are set forth in a manner requisite for ecosystem management.