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This practice is done to remove litter build-up from an area in an effort to stimulate plant growth mostly on tame grass or grass-legume (DNC) areas. An average of 15-20,000 acres is hayed annually on US Fish and Wildlife Service lands.

QUALIFIERS:

1. To rejuvenate DNC.
2. Single cut after July 15.
3. Periodic treatment, 3-5 years.

Beneficial: Long term: [+] ducks, short-eared owl, northern harrier, American bittern, ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sedge wren, common yellowthroat, dickcissel, clay-colored sparrow, lark bunting, savannah sparrow, song sparrow, bobolink, red-winged blackbird

Negative: Short term: [-] ducks, short-eared owl, northern harrier, American bittern, ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sedge wren, common yellowthroat, dickcissel, clay-colored sparrow, lark bunting, savannah sparrow, song sparrow, bobolink, red-winged blackbird

Very negative: [--]

Unknown: [?]

COMMENTS: It is important to note that the immediate (first-year) impact of the management practice is negative. However, in subsequent years (3-4) the effect is beneficial. This management practice is viewed as a short-term negative with long-term benefits. It is a desirable practice if the goal is maintaining a healthy grassland ecosystem.