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Frequently Asked Questions
GENEAL ECOLOGY
- Q: WHAT NATURAL COMMUNITY OR ECOSYSTEM DO I LIVE IN AND WHY
DOES IT MATTER?
- A: Your wild neighbors can be defined within the context of a community (a
fairly local grouping of naturally occurring animals and plants), an ecosystem (a larger, overall system of plants,
animals, and geography), or a biome (a region-wide landscape defined by the dominant plant cover, such as the shortgrass prairie). By identifying and understanding the living things that inhabit your area, you will learn which plants and wildlife your property can sustain and the best land management choices to make.
Because many landscapes have been greatly altered, a good way to figure out an area’s natural community is to visit nearby state parks, national parks, natural heritage sites, or wildlife refuges, and observe the kinds of plants, animals, and dominant plant community (for instance, forest, shrubland, grassland, desert) found there. To learn more about your ecological address click on the links below.
- National
Regional:
- Q: CAN I KEEP LIVESTOCK AND STILL PROVIDE HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE ON MY PROPERTY, AND HOW MANY LIVESTOCK CAN I PASTURE ON MY SIZE ACREAGE?
- A: The type and number of livestock, your ecosystem, the size of your property, and the type of wildlife you want to promote are determining factors. For example, stocking rates that are too high for your acreage to sustain may result in the growth of weedy (unpalatable) species. All ecosystems would be altered severely by overgrazing, and recovery may take many years. In addition, overgrazing can lead to soil erosion if the plant cover is destroyed. These effects can alter the wildlife habitat you hope to protect.
Your local county extension offices and regional USDA-NRCS websites are excellent resources that can help you determine whether livestock and wildlife can co-exist on your property. They help you determine how many acres you will need for each domestic animal and which months of the year are optimal for grazing. Water provided for livestock can be a tremendous asset for wildlife, especially in arid lands, but be sure that wildlife has access to the water and can escape if they fall in. Use wildlife friendly fencing to promote free movement of wild animals, while safely keeping domestic livestock where they are supposed to be. Check with your state wildlife department and the web sites below for assistance.
- National: Cooperative Extension offices
- Regional:
- Q: WHY IS IT SO WINDY ON MY PROPERTY? WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
- A: Coastal areas, mountains, and open plains commonly experience windy conditions.
Local climate and exposure also contribute to high winds. To minimize the effects, avoid building your house on a ridge or
hilltop, or on a slope or cliff that faces the prevailing winds (usually westerly). If you are already established in a
windy location, consider creating a windbreak by planting a dense line of trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, on the
side of your house or property from which the prevailing winds usually blow.
Windbreaks can also be useful to restrain snow drifts, to protect gardens and wildflower habitats, and to provide nesting places for birds. When planning your windbreak
use species that are native to your region, and plant the windbreak far enough from your house or other structures in case
of wildfire. Consider that the establishment of large numbers of trees and shrubs may take a significant amount of irrigation,
so be certain your water source is sufficient. The other option is to learn to love the wind! Perhaps you will soon cherish
it as part of the natural forces that shaped the ecosystem that you live in.
PROTECTING THE LAND
- Q: WHICH TREES CAN I PLANT THAT WILL REQUIRE LITTLE CARE AND
GROW QUICKLY?
- A: It’s generally wise practice to use native trees and shrubs for plantings.
Plants native to an area are adapted to the local climate, soil, and water conditions. This means that once they are established, native plants will usually thrive without the need for supplemental irrigation or pesticides. Also, because native plants have evolved with the local wildlife, they provide excellent sources of food, nesting, and shelter. But native trees do not necessarily grow quickly. In fact, species that do grow rapidly most often are nonnative and may end up requiring extra care to sustain their growth, may not survive as well in your growing conditions, or may out-compete your native plants, become invasive, and ultimately become a management problem.
To find the plants that are native to your area, and to learn about fast-growing, non-invasive species, contact a local native plant society or botanic garden, your state or county forest service, or your county extension service. If you live in a fire prone ecosystem, you will also want to be certain that the plants you choose and where you locate them don’t constitute a fire hazard to your home. The links below can help in your search.
- National:
- Regional:
- Q: WHY IS IT A PROBLEM TO USE NON-NATIVE PLANTS?
- A: Some nonnatives out-compete and replace native plants, and can become invasive,
reproducing rapidly and taking over entire areas. Unless brought under control, which can be costly, invasive species can
completely alter local habitats, greatly diminishing their value to native wildlife. They are not as beneficial as native
plants to native birds and wildlife and thus their presence in a landscape often leads to the loss or degradation of habitat.
Nonnative species may require supplemental watering, pest repellants, fertilizers, and protection from the sun and wind, which
cost time, money, and the consumption of natural resources. Nonnatives may be more susceptible to burning and less able to
survive a wildfire.
- Q: HOW DO I PREVENT AND CONTROL INVASIVE PLANTS?
- A: Never purposely introduce invasive plants to your property. Be diligent in using only
certified hay and seed mixtures, as the seeds of nonnative grasses and forbs can be accidentally introduced onto your land
through these sources. If invasive species do become established on your property, determine the control measures that will
work best for each species by consulting the agencies listed below. Use the least toxic methods possible. Physical methods,
such as weed pulling followed by mulching, may be time consuming, but they can be extremely effective and efficient if the
affected area isn’t too large. If toxic herbicides are used, closely follow the directions on the label. For more detailed
information and other resources, click on the following links.
- National:
- Q: AM I LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE TO CONTROL NOXIOUS WEEDS ON MY PROPERTY?
- A: “Noxious weed” is a legal term that is used in most states
to describe certain plant species (usually herbaceous) that are invasive and can cause significant economic and other
damage to agricultural, forestry, and habitat resources. The laws regarding noxious weeds vary from state to state and
may even be specific for the county in which you live. The laws and regulations commonly require landowners, particularly
in rural areas, to prevent or control noxious weeds on their property. If the owner fails to do so, often the local authority
is empowered to assume the responsibility and charge the owner for the cost. Information on local laws and lists of noxious
weeds in your area can be found through your state agricultural department or county extension service as well as at the
following web sites.
- National
- Regional
- Q:HOW DO I PROTECT MY HOME AND PROPERTY FROM WILDFIRE?
- A: Many ecosystems are fire adapted and need periodic fires to remain in healthy
condition. However, this natural process of renewal can be devastating to your home if you haven’t taken precautions–
and be aware, even if you do, there is no guarantee that your structures will survive. But there are many things you can do to
create defensible space around your home and increase the chance that your home will still be standing when the smoke clears.
Before you move to a remote area, check to see what emergency services are available in the event of a wildfire. Many fire
departments in rural areas are staffed only by volunteers, and it may take them a long time to reach your property. Before
wildfire season, contact your closest fire department and be certain that they know of the location of your home. Ask if
there are services available to help you prepare for wildfire. To learn more, visit the Firewise website.
WATER PROTECTION & USE
- Q: HOW CAN I CONSERVE WATER AND STILL HAVE AN INTERESTING LANDSCAPE OR LAWN ON MY PROPERTY?
- A: Consider using water harvesting techniques that are appropriate for your area. Place plants
where the natural drainage of your land or drainage from roofs or driveways will provide water. Use native plants that are adapted to
the rainfall conditions of your ecosystem. Mulching around the base of plants helps prevent soil moisture from being lost. Turn off
irrigation systems after plants have taken root, and water only when needed.
- Arizona: Water Conservation
- Arizona Municipal Water Users Association
- Colorado
- Wyoming (pdf)
- Q: CAN I USE "GRAY" WATER OR WATER FROM MY SEPTIC TANK TO SAFELY WATER MY GARDEN?
- A: Gray water, or water that has been used to wash clothes, dishes, or for general
household cleaning, usually does not contain disease-causing pathogens or heavy metals, but it is illegal to use as a source
of irrigation. Check with your county health or planning departments to see what is acceptable in your location. It is illegal
to apply untreated septic wastewater to crops, primarily because of the disease-causing pathogens that can seriously affect human
health. Other contaminants are those potentially accumulated in the soil, such as heavy metals, phosphorus, salt, grease, and
nitrogen.
- Q: HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY SEPTIC SYSTEM PROPERLY SO THAT IT DOESN'T CONTAMINATE GROUNDWATER OR NEARBY WATERWAYS?
- A: Contact your county planning or health department to be sure all necessary steps have
been taken. You or a licensed septic installer should submit your septic system design for health department approval.
- Q: Is it illegal to dig a stock pond?
- A: Some areas may require a permit. Your county planning or water resources department
can inform you. Your local cooperative extension agent or NRCS representative can offer help in deciding which kind of watering
facility suits your needs best.
- Cooperative Extension offices
- USDA-NRCS
LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
- Q: IF I IMPROVE THE HABITAT ON MY PROPERTY, HOW DO I KEEP FROM ATTRACTING SNAKES AND OTHER UNDESIRABLE WILDLIFE?
- A: As a rural property owner, you are living among wild creatures and will share your property with most of them from time to time regardless of your management choices. By improving the habitat on your land, you will actually bring greater balance to the wildlife population so that no one species is likely to grow in such numbers as to become a serious pest. Educate yourself about the wildlife to determine if you really have a problem. Practice tolerance. In the case of snakes, most species are harmless to people and pets. In fact, they are generally beneficial in a managed habitat by keeping down the rodent population, which might otherwise become a serious and costly nuisance. If you are concerned about venomous snakes, create areas for children and pets to play, such as patios and lawns, which may be less inviting to snakes and can provide a backdrop to more easily see and avoid them.
If a species does become a serious nuisance, there are usually one or more remedies that can be applied in your circumstance. Consult local experts or click on the following links. Although relocation of unwanted wildlife may seem beneficial to you, a translocated animal is less likely to survive and may spread disease or parasites.
- Arizona: Audubon Research Ranch
- Arizona Department of Game and Fish:
- Colorado: Audubon At Home, Colorado
- Colorado State Cooperative Extension
- Wyoming: Wyoming Wildscape (pdf) and Wyoming Pests
- Q: CAN I LET MY DOGS AND CATS RUN WILD?
- A: It is never a good idea to let a house pet outdoors unattended. Dogs and cats can
contract wild diseases, which can shorten their lifespan. Cats can have a devastating effect on local wildlife. They may keep
rodent populations in check but compete for prey with natural predators such as fox and raptors. As well, each year free-roaming
cats kill millions of birds. Wandering dogs can easily get lost and, depending on their temperament, can be a danger to neighbors, local children, and livestock. For the well-being of your pet, family, and wildlife it is best to keep your cat indoors at all times and your dog on leash when outside the home.
FENCING, GARBAGE, AND OTHER PRACTICAL ISSUES
- Q: WHAT DOES “OPEN RANGE” MEAN?
- A: The legal definition varies from state to state, but in general “open range”
means that livestock, such as cows, horses, sheep, may graze beyond property boundaries--including onto the road and onto your
property. Drivers need to be especially careful; in some areas, if a vehicle hits livestock, the driver is liable for the cost
of the animal. In several western states, if you don’t want livestock trespassing onto your land, it is your responsibility
to build a fence to keep them out. To allow the area’s wildlife to move freely to escape predators, forage for food, and find
a mate, wildlife-friendly fencing is recommended. To find out if your property is in open range, check with your county planning
department.
- Wildlife friendly fencing
- Q: HOW DO I DISPOSE OF MY GARBAGE?
- A: If there is no municipal pickup, check the telephone listings in your area for private garbage collection companies. If none exist, you will have to dispose of your trash at your county’s landfill or dump. Between trips, be sure to store your trash in securely closed containers to keep wildlife away. To cut down on the amount of garbage produced, reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible and dispose of biodegradable, organic material by composting. To find out about recycling resources in your area, click on www.earth911.org.
- Q: HOW DO I KEEP WILDLIFE AWAY FROM MY COMPOST PILE?
- A: Critters are most attracted to meat products. So throw into the compost only items
such as vegetable and fruit matter, yard clippings, egg shells, and coffee grounds.
- Q: WHY DO I NEED A JACK-HAMMER TO DIG A HOLE IN MY YARD?
- A: In arid and semi-arid regions you may find that your ground has a layer of a rock-hard soil known as caliche or hardpan, which is a deposit of calcium carbonate that binds together the clay, sand, and silt particles in your soil. Caliche is largely impervious to water and creates very difficult growing conditions due to poor drainage and because plant roots can’t push through to reach the groundwater below. Native plants that have adapted over centuries to your soil type will be the best choices to use; most other species will require organic material to amend the soil.
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