Cattle are the dominant grazer on the Zumwalt Prairie and most landowners use the prairie for spring, summer, or fall pasture for livestock. While certain livestock grazing practices may be compatible with conservation, others may degrade soils and plant communities or have other harmful effects on species and habitats. Both upland prairie and aquatic/riparian ecosystems may be affected. The precise effects of different livestock grazing practices are not well known.The Nature Conservancy and Oregon State University are currently investigating the effects of different stocking rates on prairie soils, vegetation, songbirds, and insects. Results from that research are expected to be available beginning in 2010.

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