Impacts of rest-rotation grazing on streambanks in forested watersheds in Idaho
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Authors: W. S. Platts, and R. L. Nelson
Date: 1985
Journal: North American Journal of Fisheries Management
Volume: 5
Number: 4
Pages: 547-556
Summary of Methods: The effects of a rest-rotation grazing system and complete rest were examined over four years on the riparian vegetation and streambank stability, where there had been no livestock grazing for 20 years or more on eleven study areas located along the Salmon River in Idaho. There were four areas in the South Fork of the Salmon River, two in Frenchman Creek, two areas Upper Bear Valley and one on Horton Creek. Sites were grazed under a three pasture rest-rotation system. Except for Horton, all other areas were studied a minimum of 4 years prior to any grazing treatment. Stream side and adjacent upland forage use were measured after each grazing period.
Article Summary / Main Points: Streamside vegetation experienced higher utilization rates (65-69%) than the upland portion of pastures (51-54%), although spring grazed pastures were utilized to a lesser degree. Implementation of rest-rotation grazing, on previously ungrazed areas, increased streambank alteration relative to the ungrazed control plots. The rest period provided enough recovery for vegetative regrowth which masked the previous year(s) bank alterations. Under most rest-rotation grazing systems, riparian areas experience too much heavy grazing; meaning the rest period is often inadequate for recovery, which equates to a downward trend in steambank stability and riparian health over time.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 43B Central Rocky Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Rangelands
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: rest-rotation grazing, forage, watersheds, livestock, stream-side meadows, stream-bank alteration
Annotation: This was a replicated study and is applicable to perennial riparian areas across western North America. This was a strong study with eleven study areas. Under certain types of rest-rotation grazing, stream side forage is over-utilized resulting in damage to riparian stream habitat; while adjacent range and pasture forage is receiving acceptable use. The time frame of this study and the different hydrographic basins examined makes these results applicable across a broad spectrum of the landscape. Additionally, Platts and Nelson (1985, J. Soil and Water Cons. 49:374-379; 1985, Rangelands 7:5-7; and 1985, Rangelands 7:7-10) studied rangeland utilization and stream canopies affected by grazing (1989, N. Amer. J. Fish. Manage. 9:446-457) along riparian areas in Idaho, Nevada, and Utah; also available on the RSIS website.
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