In the harsh, windswept environment of the northern Great Plains, scattered natural stands of trees and shrubs provide valuable, but very limited, cover and food for both wildlife and livestock. Persistence of these woody cover types was probably tenuous even before settlement of the area and introduction of domestic livestock. Now, many stands are declining. Deciduous types in the draws and valley bottoms present the most serious problems. Proper management of livestock, protection, and cultural treatments offer some hope for stand rehabilitation and maintenance.