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