Grazing Management for Healthy Riparian Areas Authors: Gene Surber, MSU Extension Natural Resources...

Grazing Management for Healthy Riparian Areas

Authors:Gene Surber, MSU ExtensionNatural Resources Specialist

Bob Ehrhart, Research Specialist,RWRP, Univ. of Montana

IntroductionAddresses principles and techniques for grazing your riparian areasEach ranch operation is unique

General Principles for Grazing Livestock in Riparian Areas1. Taylor your grazing approach2. Incorporate into overall plan3. Select a season of use4. Limit livestock time5. Influence livestock time6. Ensure adequate vegetation cover7. Provide adequate regrowth time & rest8. Take an active management role

1. Taylor your grazing approach

No “cookbook” solutionsSpecific riparian objectives

InventoryMonitoring program

2. Incorporate into overall plan

Don’t neglect the majority of the ranchConsider impact of actions on riparian areasWhat you do in riparian areas my affect your uplands – vice versa

3. Select a season of useNo one season is “best”Dependent upon

Physical characteristicsConditionPlant stage developmentWeatherTypes of animals

4. Limit livestock timeCow/Calf pairs spend a disproportionate amount of time near the creekReduce time in riparian pastures

5. Influence livestock distribution

Encourage cattle to move away from the stream

Season of useOff-stream water

6. Ensure adequate vegetation cover

How muchType“Adequate” – depends upon

LocationSpring runoffWildlife use

7. Provide adequate regrowth time & rest

Plants need rest for:

GrowthSeed developmentStorage of carbohydrates

8. Active management role

On-the-ground observationFlexibility to changing conditions

Variety of techniquesAppropriate season of use for grazing riparian areasReducing intensity of use – distribution of livestock

Determining Season of Use

The predicted response of different plant species; The grazing impact on plant communities; and The percent of soil moisture on the site.

Early season (spring) grazing

Livestock attracted to uplandsCool temperaturesWet soils – may discourage useCoarse-textured, fine-grained soils

Hot-season (mid-summer)Closely monitor – limited durationEncourage livestock to move outProvide opportunity for regrowthWarm season species

Late Season (fall) grazingHerbaceous versus tree or shrubCool season plant communitiesOff-stream water available

Winter UseLarge pastureDrainages colder than uplandsFrozen soil – to reduce compaction

Techniques: reduce intensity

Influence distribution

Alternate water

Influence livestock distribution

Troughs dug into hillsides – covered with dirtStable access points to water

Influence livestock distribution

Side barsGravelSimple bridge

Influence livestock distribution

Placement of salt and mineralsImprove upland forage

Influence livestock distribution

Extended plant restRiding

Influence livestock distribution

Drift fences or other obstacles

Influence livestock distribution

Turn-in locationSmall pastures

Closer management control

Influence livestock distribution

FencingRestorationProtect streambanksRehabilitation

Influence livestock distribution

Permanent fencingNo fence optionsWater gaps