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Douglas County Conservation District |
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This page contains information on several conservation subjects such as: Pasture Management, Manure Management, Noxious Weeds, Snow Fences and Windbreaks. |
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Education/Information |
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Proper care of land is very important for the plants to survive in adverse situations. Grazing of any livestock on land if not properly monitored is detrimental to the plants and soil. If livestock is allowed to over graze the land, the desirable plants will be replaced with undesirable noxious weeds that are very difficult to control and may even be poisonous to livestock. See the links below for more detailed information. Pasture Management: Pasture Management for Horses on Small Acreage Small Acreage Pasture during and after drought Grass Growth and Response to Grazing Glossary of Range Management Terms Carrying Capacity of your Land Worksheet
Manure Management:
Weeds: Range and Pasture Weed Management Weed Management for Small Rural Acreages
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Pasture Management |
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Noxious Weeds are plants that have found a home here from other countries. They have no natural enemies to keep them under control. These weeds offer little food value for wildlife and livestock. They out compete and crowd out the native more desirable plants. Some are toxic to animals and humans. They reduce crop productions, and reduce land values. They also increase soil erosion. Competitive vegetation, biological control using beneficial insects, grazing sheep and goats (on specific weeds), mowing, tillage and herbicides are all potential controls for these weeds. See links below for more detailed information. Weeds: Biology and Management of Toadflax Colorado State Noxious Weed Act Colorado Weed Management Association
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Noxious Weeds |
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The use of snow fences can be very beneficial for keeping snow drifts away from driveways, buildings, etc. |
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Specifications for Snow Fences: · The area protected from snow drifts is 35 times the height of the snow fence. For instance, if you have a driveway to protect from drifts and you have a 4 foot high fence on flat terrain, this fence should be placed at least 140 feet away from the area to be protected. 35 x 4ft = 140ft. The fence should also be placed perpendicular to the prevailing winds which are from the Northwest. · Although fences should be perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction, the angle can vary by as much as 25 degrees without affecting performance. · The fence should extend lengthwise far enough to cover the area to be protected, extended on either side by 20 times the height of the fence. The extension allows for variation in wind direction and for the reduced trapping efficiency and storage capacity near fence ends. For more information, visit the following websites: |
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Snow Fences |
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Trees can be planted to block the cold winter winds from livestock, and homes which is called a windbreak. A tree planting to protect homes, roads, and driveways from drifting snow is called a living snow fence. Remember if you are planting trees to protect something from the winter wind, it will also become a living snow fence drifting snow on the leeward (non-windy) side. So, you would want to make sure that you do not have any roads, driveways, or buildings in the area for the snow to drift onto. |
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Helping People Help the Land ~ Colorado |
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Windbreaks/Living Snow Fences |
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Specifications for Windbreaks/Living Snow Fences: · Do not plant trees closer than 100 feet to roads, driveways, buildings, or other areas being protected. · Plant trees perpendicular to the prevailing winds which are from the Northwest. · The areas protected from drifting snow and winds are 10 times the height of the tree. · 2 to 5 row windbreaks can be planted depending on the amount of area available on your property. For more information, visit the following websites: “How to plant a Windbreak” Powerpoint CSFS Trees for Conservation Planning, Planting, Care |
