Livestock grazing for management of reclaimed land at Navajo Mine: Animal response

Conference · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:613835

Gamble, D C ^[1]; Gadzia, K L ^[2]; Raisbeck, M F ^[3]

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1. BHP World Minerals Navajo Mine, Fruitland, NM (United States)
2. Resource Management Services, Bernalillo, NM (United States)
3. Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (United States)

Livestock responses dining grazing of reclaimed land were monitored at the Navajo Mine since 1994. The Navajo Mine Grazing Management Program (GNP) began in 1991 to prepare for bond release and return of reclaimed land to the Navajo Nation by demonstrating the ability of the land to sustain the post-mining land use of livestock grazing. Local Navajos, whose livestock are used in the GMP, are interested in the ability of the land to sustain their livestock. Sustainable livestock grazing implies the ability of animals to thrive, successfully reproduce and maintain the health of the land. Daily care and monitoring of livestock health was carried out by herders hired by the mining company. General animal health parameters including blood selenium levels were monitored quarterly. Livestock responses to grazing reclaimed land have been largely positive. Cows have produced healthy offspring and owners indicate satisfaction with calf size, and overall performance of the cows. Selenium and other blood testing parameters indicate no adverse effect on animal health to date. Hazards associated with reclamation and ongoing mining activities are important considerations for lands being reclaimed for livestock grazing as a post-mining land use and must be monitored carefully during any grazing program. Preliminary results indicate that planned grazing by cattle on reclaimed land at Navajo Mine is feasible and does not adversely affect animal health.

• OSTI ID: 613835
• Report Number(s): CONF-9705128--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
AMERICAN INDIANS
COAL MINES
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
GRAZING
LAND RECLAMATION
LAND RESOURCES
LAND USE
NEW MEXICO
REMEDIAL ACTION