ELK FORAGE UTILIZATION WITHIN RESTED UNITS OF REST-ROTATION GRAZING SYSTEMS

Elk (Cervus elaphus) have been repeatedly observed to prefer rested un its within rest-rotation grazing systems, Given the logistical and fin ancial investments associated with the maintenance of these systems, e lk herbivory within rested units is a potential source of conflict. El k forage utilization was determined during the summers of 1994 and 199 5 at the forest-grassland ecotone of 3 rest-rotation grazing allotment s in south-central Utah's Fishlake National Forest, Average phytomass within areas protected from and subjected to elk herbivory was not sta tistically different in June and August 1994, Average phytomass within caged areas was greater (P < 0.20) than that within areas subjected t o elk use in 2 of 3 rested units in June-July 1995 (14.1 and 35.6% uti lization) and August 1995 (34.7 and 42.0% utilization), June-to-August forage regrowth, however, was 313 and 33.0% greater in 1995 than in 1 994 within caged and uncaged areas, respectively.