Evaluating Livestock Grazing Use with Streambank Alteration Protocols: Challenges and Solutions
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Authors: J. D. Heitke, R. C. Henderson, B. B. Roper, and E. K. Archer
Date: 2008
Journal: Rangeland Ecology & Management
Volume: 61
Number: 6
Pages: 647-655
Summary of Methods: The effect on streambank alteration measurements by observer and choices related to the protocol were evaluated. Streambank alteration was measured in 10 fall grazing allotments on USFS lands in western Montana in 2003 and 2004, representing varied grazing intensities, channel types, stream sizes and vegetation communities. Evaluations in 2003 focused on how training affected means and variability associated with two streambank alteration protocols. Eight seasonal employees with little experience estimated streambank alteration at each of 10 sites once before and once after training. The 2004 evaluation followed line of perennial vegetation, or greenline (GL) and followed two protocols: GL and GLP (greenline precise.) Seasonal employees and USFS employees with 5-30 years service observed sites.
Article Summary / Main Points: Although streambank alteration protocols were generally repeatable, results were affected by not only grazing intensity, but training, professional background, location and intensity of measurements, and protocol used. Training reduced variability in alteration estimates and observer variability. Data suggests professional background can affect assessment results; use of consistently trained, independent technicians may ameliorate this problem. No protocol can be administered without some error, suggesting that single evaluation as a decision making tool would be unwise. Regardless of protocol used, that protocol outcome must be informative relative to the attribute or condition it is being used to estimate.
Vegetation Types: All Forest and Woodlands All Shrublands California Grasslands (including all annual grasslands)
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Monitoring Techniques Grazing Riparian
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: allowable use standards, annual monitoring indicators, observer variability, riparian grazing, training
Annotation: This article supports the concept of consistency of the observer and training for best results in assessing impact of grazing on streambanks.
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