Grasslands evolved with vast herds of roaming bison grazing them. The result of removing part of the plant increases plant production, speeds the recycling of nutrients (animal droppings fertilize the ground) and prevents plants from shading themselves out.
Some managed cattle grazing mimics, on a much smaller scale, the bison herds and enhances waterfowl nesting by keeping the habitat in good condition. Different bird species prefer different amounts of cover. Therefore, a variety of cover types is provided on Waterfowl Production Areas. Generally, an area is only grazed once every three years. Short-duration rotations are used so that cattle are only impacting the grass for a short time. Frequency and duration of grazing varies on the size and condition of the unit.
Grazing has been the most common management technique used to improve and enhance upland nesting cover on WPA's in recent years. Usually 4,000 - 5,000 acres on 20 or more WPA's are treated by grazing each year. Local livestock owners benefit by having additional lands to graze and pay competitive rental rates to graze their cattle. Grazing is allowed on a permit or bid basis.
