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j ` . 20110358� DESCRIPTION OF COMPATIBLE EFFECTS OF GRAZING The Rainwater Basin ecosystem was originally a grassland-dominated landscape that evolved under the influences of grazing by ungulates (bison, deer, pronghom, and elk) as well as fire, drought and other climatic forces. Grazing by livestock in these prairie wetlands replicates a natural process and can be prescribed to maximize wetland functions and values by maintaining a healthy mix of grassland habitats, including in a diversity of vegetative structure and species, encouraging desirable early successional wetland plants, and creating open water and mud flats. Grazing can also be a tool to help control invasive vegetation which is often a significant threat to wetland functions. For example, grazing following a fire treatment, also known as patch-burn grazing will often help to suppress undesirable species such as reed canarygrass or hybrid cattail. A diversity of vegetative stntcture is desired to maximize habitat functions by providing a variety of habitat conditions needed by different species at difFerent sta.ges in their lifecycle. This desired diversity in vegetative structure, including vegetative height, density, and species composition, that will meet the various habitat requirements of the target wildlife species can be achieved through properly managed grazing. Grazing effects include both what the grazer eats and trampling effects from hoof action. For example, on some sites, especially those with adequate upland buffer, residual cover from the previous growing season averaging 8-16 inches in height in April through July may be necessary to attract nesting migratory song birds. On some sites, short vegeta.tion averaging less than 2 inches in height in March/April during spring migration or in October during fall migration may be appropriate within wetlands to allow migrating waterfowl and shorebirds ready access to shallow water and mud flats for feeding. Management needed for each wetland will vary, but generally, a high stocking rate and short duration grazing period is preferred. Timing should vary from year to year to accommodate a diversity of plant species. On larger wetlands (i.e. greater than 160 acres), a portion of the enrolled lands should be grazed every year to provide a variety of habita.t structure across the area. For smaller tracts (i.e. less than 160 acres), it may be more appropriate to graze the unit as part of a rotational grazing management system with other lands or graze in alternate years. However annual grazing may occur if timing and intensity are adjusted accordingly to meeting wildlife and vegetation objectives. Different grazing management prescriptions may be needed for different wetland types and any surrounding uplands. Each habitat type (temporary wetland, seasonal wetland, semi-permanent wetland, upland prairie, etc.) has the potential to support different wildlife species, ranging from migratory birds to amphibians and pollinators, and management of these sites will strive to maximize wetland and wildlife habitat benefits on the WRP easement area. The Parties hereby agree that the grazing of the easement area is a management tool necessary to achieve the desired wetland functions and values. The Landowner agrees to conduct grazing activity in accordance with the terms and conditions identified in this Exhibit and the grazing management plan which is a component of the Wetlands Reserve Plan of Operations (WRPO) developed with NRCS. The WRPO will identify the different wetland and upland habitats that aze to be restored and maintained on the easement area, and thus guide the grazing management requirements necessary to manage these habitats.