VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Salix monticola | Mountain Willow 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Wildlife:  Mountain willow is an important food source for moose, deer
small mammals, beaver, snowshoe hares, songbirds, and game birds,
including ruffed grouse and ptarmigan [14,26,37].  Mountain willow from
Wyoming to Alaska provides browse for moose [14].  Honey bees use the
pollen and nectar of mountain willow as a food source for brood rearing
[2].

Livestock:  In south-central Colorado, browse suitability ratings for
mountain willow are listed as high for elk and cattle and moderate for
deer and sheep [30].  Mountain willow is an important source of browse
for cattle in riparian areas [33].


PALATABILITY : 
Most willows are palatable to livestock and big game [2].  Palatability
of willows increases as the growing season advances [25].  


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Mountain willow characteristically produces dense thickets along streams
and rivers, which provide thermal and hiding cover for elk, deer, and
moose.  Branches are used by beavers in the construction of dams and
lodges [26].  Mountain willow also provides shade and cover for fish
[26].  


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Mountain willow is useful in stabilizing streambanks and providing
erosion control on severely disturbed sites [14].  Mountain willow is an
important invader of sites disturbed by man or natural phenomena because
of its ability to produce roots and root crown shoots, which provide for
quick recovery [41].  A study was conducted at Sheep Creek near Fort
Collins, Colorado, a typical western headwater stream.  By the late
1940's, the riparian zone bordering Sheep Creek was practically denuded
of vegetation.  Three exclosures were built to improve fisheries
habitat.  Limited grazing was allowed in the exclosures for 7 of the 30
years the exclosures existed.  Mountain willow cover averaged eight and
a half times greater in the ungrazed exclosures than in adjacent grazed
areas [33].  Mountain willow was unable to reach its maximum height on
streambanks that had been grazed even though grazing pressure in the
Sheep Creek Allotment had been reduced by two-thirds over a time span of
50 years.  It is apparent that some rest from grazing is needed so
healthy stands of willow can establish in riparian zones [33].

The utilization of willows for riparian habitat improvement is
widespread because they are easy to obtain, inexpensive, usually locally
acclimated, and provide a good benefit/cost ratio [26].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Willow establishment along riparian zones is an effective management 
tool that yields positive benefits to a number of fish and wildlife
species, as well as providing necessary protection to the stream
environment [26].  Heavy livestock utilization of riparian areas can 
lead to severe degradation unless managed properly [33].  

Related categories for Species: Salix monticola | Mountain Willow