Can cows and fish co-exist?
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Authors: L. Fitch, and B. W. Adams
Date: 1998
Journal: Canadian Journal of Plant Science
Volume: 78
Number: 2
Pages: 191-198
Summary of Methods: This is a synthesis of issues surrounding livestock grazing on riparian areas and possible pathways to mitigation. It is based on a review of 36 articles.
Article Summary / Main Points: Although riparian areas have evolved with various types of grazing, recent methods of livestock grazing have often created degradation in these areas. Riparian areas control many aspects of fish habitat including water temperature, food, and cover. Misuse by livestock can harm delicate riparian habitat. The authors contend that time should be spent moving forward with solutions rather than debating the existence of a problem. Fitch and Adams cite an example of a group that has accomplished this forward movement. The Alberta Cows and Fish Project, which was set up in 1992, is a working group comprised of several cattle, fish, and environmental groups that have collaborated to improve riparian grazing practices. This group used partnerships, demonstrations, and community/grass roots action to promote riparian grazing awareness and riparian area recovery. Riparian grazing should focus on the life cycles of the plants present to promote vegetation recruitment. Properly managing animal distribution, grazing intensity and frequency, season of use, and grazing exclusion according to a site’s characteristics and needs are ways that have been successful in riparian recovery efforts. Rest-rotation grazing or shifting timing of grazing to match periods of low susceptibility to damage are methods to achieve this goal. Fencing off of riparian areas is often needed to allow vegetation to recover; however, a holistic grazing program that includes access to riparian areas and incorporates the uplands is critical for long-term health of the pasture.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Grazing
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Synthesis
Keywords: riparian, grazing management, grazing systems, riparian grazing
Annotation: This synthesis attempts to move the argument over riparian grazing forward by focusing on possible solutions for proper livestock grazing in the riparian areas. The authors' positions are applicable to most riparian areas and are a suitable way to view the issue. The focus on a holistic management program that includes both ecological health and livestock production was shown to be effective in the Alberta Cows and Fish Project.
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