Some of the most common water quality problems associated with livestock grazing are elevated temperature and sediment as they affect fish habitat and production. Elevated temperature is often related to an increased incidence of solar radiation resulting from reduced bank stability and subsequent widening. Livestock can affect stream side vegetation by timing, intensity, duration, or frequency of grazing which promotes an increase in shallower rooted and shorter plants with lower bank stabilizing and cover capabilities. Livestock can also directly affect bank stability and sediment input to streams by hoof action that shears banks and exposes soil to erosion. If we assume that vegetated, stable banks precede subsequent channel changes (narrowing), and that precedes changes in water quality and fish habitat characteristics, then producers and agencies should be able to focus on management and monitoring of vegetation and amount of bare banks in the short term (5-10 years) period of recovery.
This class will focus on management for broad leaf sedges, rushes, and woody riparian vegetation such as willows, alders, and cottonwoods that provide the greatest bank stability and cover. Development of riparian pastures provides the greatest opportunity and flexibility for riparian vegetation management without foregoing use of either the riparian area or uplands. However, riparian pastures are not always practical or economically feasible. Changes in season of use, deferred, and rest rotation strategies can all provide workable alternatives. Each has advantages and limitations. Temporary or permanent exclusion may also be the most practical solution to some producers. However, each livestock operation is different. Strategies must be specifically tailored to each operation to work.
We will also present other techniques that attract livestock from riparian areas or restrict access to riparian areas that can be used by them selves or in conjunction with other grazing strategies. Adequate off stream water, hardened crossings or access points, and livestock handling techniques are emphasized.
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