"...grazing of [the Bryce Canyon National Park area] by domestic animals for 50 years prior to the establishment of Bryce Canyon National Park in 1928 caused considerable accelerated erosion. The northern portion of Bryce Canyon National Park was fenced in 1935, but recovery of vegetation and the soil has been slow. Evidences of continued rapid erosion are: the presence of pedestaled plants with the root crown well above the general soil level; rills on hillsides; small rock particles left behind on soil surface after sheet erosion has removed the finer soil materials. A tree that happens to fall at a right angle to the direction of the slope forms a dam, above which eroding soil is eventually deposited almost to the depth of the diameter of the log."
"The soils of the sagebrush flats are generally deeper than those of the surrounding forested slopes due to alluvial transport of material by running water. Considerable topsoil has been lost from this community during and following the 50-year period of heavy over-grazing by domestic livestock. Erosion check-dams were installed in the mid-1930's and have helped control gully development along the intermittent stream channels. The amount of sediment collected behind check dams is indicative of the continued high level of sheet erosion which is taking place."
"The greater portion of the Markagunt Plateau has suffered a high level of grazing pressure from domestic livestock for approximately 100 years. In contrast, however, the small area of Cedar Breaks NM which has had protection from grazing during nearly 40 years has enjoyed the rejuvenation of wildflowers within its fenced areas. The open semi-moist meadows present an almost incomparable display of color and variety for the visitor in late June to mid-August. Since the winter snows are generally heavy at this high elevation and do not all melt until late in June or early July, the plants have adapted to a short growing season, cool nights in summer, full sunlight, frequent summer thunderstorms, and occasional drought."
--Hayle Buchanan, in Living Color: Wildflower Communities of Bryce Canyon & Cedar Breaks, 1974, pp. 15 and 26. Emphasis added.