Grazing effects on stream habitat and fishes: Research design considerations
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Authors: J. N. Rinne
Date: 1988
Journal: North American Journal of Fisheries Management
Volume: 8
Number:
Pages: 240-247
Summary of Methods: A four year study of a montane stream in New Mexico, from which cattle grazing had been excluded for 10 years, indicated that stream bank vegetation and stability were improved. Salmonids (Brown trout, Rio Grande trout, and hybrid trout) were more abundant in the ungrazed area, while nonsalmonids (Rio Grande chub and Rio Grande sucker) were more abundant in the grazed area. Natural variation in fish populations, combined with very low salmonid populations precludes statements that trout populations were enhanced by grazing removal in this study area. Overall, the results showed that fish populations were unaffected. This study had three major problems that are common to other similarly designed studies of riparian grazing effects. These problems involve the lack of pretreatment data, fisheries management considerations, and spatiotemporal considerations. Cattle behavior patterns, and the economics of altering such behavior, favor a research approach that includes complete watersheds, is preceded by pretreatment data, and is long-term in nature.
Article Summary / Main Points: Salmonids (Brown trout, Rio Grande trout, and hybrid trout) were more abundant in the ungrazed area, while non-salmonids (Rio Grande chub and Rio Grande sucker) were more abundant in the grazed area. Natural variation in fish populations, combined with very low salmonid populations precludes statements that trout populations were enhanced by grazing removal. Overall, the results showed that fish populations were unaffected.
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: grazing, stream bank vegetation, stream bank stability, riparian ecosystems, fish populations, rio grande sucker, catostomus plebius, rio grande chub, gila pandora, rio grande cutthroat trout, salmo clarki virginalis, brown trout, salmo trutta, rainbow tr
Annotation: The results from this three year non-replicated study are only applicable to this riparian area and stream in northwestern, New Mexico. The trends may be the same for a wide variety of riparian areas and streams but the lack of replication limits the strength of these results and the wide spread acceptance that livestock exclusion will have the same results elsewhere. As with all grazing research results apply most directly to similar landscapes, seasons, livestock types and weather conditions. This study had three major problems that are common to similarly designed studies of riparian grazing effects. These problems involve the lack of pre-treatment data, fisheries management considerations, and spatiotemporal considerations. Results of macroinvertebrates counts done on this same stream over the same time period are reported in Rinne 1988 (Great Basin Nat 48: 146-153) available in the RSIS database. The study also suggests that future research on riparian grazing effects must address designs of long-term (>10 years) ecosystem (watershed) studies.
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