Conservation Easements in California Blue Oak Woodlands: Testing the Assumption of Livestock Grazing as a Compatible use

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Blue oak woodland is an endemic natural community in the Central Valley region of California. It is dominated by blue oak (Quercus douglasii Hook. & Arn.) and has an understory of annual grasses and forbs. Most blue oak woodlands are found on privately owned cattle ranches which are currently threatened by conversion to housing, vineyards, and cropland. Land trusts are acquiring conservation easements which include terms that allow for continued commercial grazing. Some studies suggest that livestock grazing negatively impacts biodiversity, although others show that it creates a beneficial disturbance regime and can play an important role in controlling invasive plants. There is also concern that grazing may be negatively impacting blue oak seedling regeneration. Our study begins to address the assumption that livestock grazing is a conservation-compatible land use on ranches with conservation easements. Our study questions whether livestock grazing reduces oak seedling density, if invasive non-...