Surface disturbances reduce the amount of forage available to herbivory use and can be short- and long-term (Appendix T).

Surface disturbances increase the likelihood for the introduction and spread of invasive species, which degrade rangeland health and impact forage quality and quantity.

To varying degrees, areas of concentrated herbivory use exist in most allotments (i.e., riparian/wetland areas, salting areas, fence corridors, etc.). Range improvements and managed livestock grazing methods disperse livestock and minimize livestock concentrations.

Grazing management practices such as season of use and kind of livestock and stocking level modification, rotational grazing, and temporary closures can maintain or improve rangeland health and ensure the achievement of Wyoming Standards for Healthy Rangelands (Appendix N).

Range improvements would include the following types of projects: spring/seep development and protection, reservoirs and pits, wells, new or modified fencing, vegetation treatments, and pipelines.

Any changes in grazing management, including changes in grazing preference, would be based on rangeland monitoring and documented field observations, in accordance with grazing regulations (43 CFR 4110.3).

Management actions for other resource uses (e.g., oil and gas leasing) can affect livestock grazing allocations and management.

Managing wildlife and special status plants and wildlife can affect livestock grazing allocations.

If a portion of an allotment is closed to livestock grazing, a proportional loss of AUMs in that allotment would result. Issues related to compensation of permittees or lessees for the loss of use of range improvements in allotments closed to livestock grazing would be addressed at the time an allotment is closed, and in accordance with regulations at 43 CFR 4120.3–6.