Quote Originally Posted by Ride Red View Post
spread of noxious weeds: Anyone who has even an elementary knowlege of what constitutes "noxious" weeds can see that cattle are a major contributor to their spread. Knappweed, Canada thistle, Russian thistle, sulphur sancfoil. Milk thistle, and a host of others are now commonplace throughout most of the province. These weeds are introduced to new ranges through seeds attaching themselves to the coats on cattle or through their excrement.
I would guess that the spread of weeds is more of a local issue if livestock are doing the spreading. Would also make an educated guess that wheeled or tracked vehicles of all kinds more widely spread weeds. We are all guilty, whether moving hay from one area to another or driving an ATV or truck through a weedy area and then going for a drive up a new logging road. Very few completely wash their mode of transportation with every change of scenery.

There are several cases I am aware of regarding Ducks Unlimited or Nature Conservancy land that livestock were excluded from and then asked to return after several years. When growth becomes woody and old bottom chokes out new the wildlife left too.