The end of June finally brought some warm weather to Cody, Wy. Spring has been long, cool and wet this year. The range really shows the effects of the weather. The spring green-up was much delayed and now in July many areas are still very green, whereas in drier years, many plants would begin to brown in late June.

Green farm fields next to BLM land

I have continued with the fence inventory I started when I first arrived in Cody. You wouldn’t believe the number of fences on public lands. Even though the Cody Field Office isn’t that large, compared to other Field Offices, 1.2 million acres, inventorying the fences is a daunting task. At this point, many of the crucial pronghorn areas have been inventoried and problem fences have been identified for future removal or modification. I feel very fortunate to be assigned the fence inventory. While it doesn’t take much skill, it gives me ample opportunity to become familiar with the entire field office, as well as the opportunity to observe wildlife and vegetation. Of particular interest is the geographic and topographic variation and variability of vegetation.

I have learned to identify most of the vegetation on the range and some of the more conspicuous plants at high elevation in the mountains. As the grass began to green in June, I began working with the range conservationists conducting vegetation monitoring for both grazing and wildlife purposes. Primarily the monitoring consists of permanent point intercept transects read yearly to assess trends in rangeland condition. Additionally, we have been collection data on sagebrush and residual grass canopy for sage grouse cover.

Working with the range staff has been a learning experience in itself, very different from working with wildlife biologist. It has given me the opportunity to barrage the range cons. With questions about grazing, overgrazing, trespass cows, fences, conservation, range improvement (water tanks, seeding, weed removal, and prescribed burning) and the grazing permit system. Additionally, I have worked with the Wild Horse Specialist and have begun to understand the many issues surrounding wild horses on public land.

I have also been working on finding and inventorying certain rare plants in the Field Office. I had the opportunity to work with the local botanical expert and well known botanist.

Jason Clark

Cody, WY

BLM