Capital Press Reading Activity

Another in the series of Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom non-fiction text examples to be used in your classroom. These will be available every Friday morning at 7 a.m. during the school year.

These questions are designed to use in conjunction with a selected article from the Capital Press. To obtain access to an e-edition of Capital Press FREE to educators and students visit http://www.capitalpress.com/NewspaperInEducation. For more information about this program and ways to use it in your classroom visit the program webpage. 

Article: Using grazing as a wildfire tool (Page 2)

Questions:

1. In summary, what does Davies research?
2. What challenges exist with applying the research findings to a larger scale?
3. What were the 2009 study findings in relation to native plant communities? Why are native plants important to this ecosystem?  
4. Why is this a relevant research topic? 
5. How does this research inform your views on grazing policies? What additional information or evidence would you need to be more informed on the issue? 

Answers: 

1. Davies researches rangeland. He studies plants, soils, grazing and the effects of various environmental conditions like grazing. 
2. Coordinating and moving people, equipment and cattle, limited cattle available, and public opposition to grazing. 
3. The 2009 study that found that long-term ungrazed areas were invaded by non-native grasses after a fire whereas the moderately grazed areas recovered to the native plant community. Native plants are important for soil erosion, water quality, forage for livestock and habitat for wildlife. Non-native species carry more of a fire risk. 
4. Answers will vary. It's important for research to help inform the relationship between managed land and landscapes, especially public land. 
5. Answers will vary. 

Archives of past editions are available here. 

We welcome feedback or ideas to make this program as effective as possible! Please direct your questions or suggestions about this program to Jessica Jansen, Executive Director Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom  jessica.jansen@oregonstate.edu.