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Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic SiteCattle grazing in the pasture.
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Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
Environmental Factors
Exposed mine tailings - 'slickens'
Exposed mine tailings - 'slickens' with high metals concentrations and acidic soils.

Environmental factors shape the landscape and habitats of Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site and the Deer Lodge Valley. Long before humans arrived geological processes, weather, and fire shaped this environment. More recently, natural processes have been affected by human activity. The valley has experienced many impacts including mining, ranching, and the development of towns and cities.

Several environmental factors are being monitored by National Park Service staff and researchers from other agencies or universities. The goal of montoring is to gather information for its use in science-based decision making and to ultimately preserve the park's resources.

Historic image of cattle drive.  

Did You Know?
Cattle drives rarely went more than ten or twelve miles a day. The cattle had to be given time to rest and graze. A drive from Texas to Montana could take up to five months. Kohrs bought two-year-old steers and brought them north to graze on the rich grasses of eastern Montana.

Last Updated: February 05, 2008 at 13:10 EST