Riparian Responses to Grazing Practices

Abstract

Fur trappers and settlers during the early 1800s reported extensive stands of willows and wide, wet meadows along stream systems throughout the west? ern rangelands. By the early 1900s, many of these stream systems were severely damaged or eliminated because of improper livestock use. Although grazing practices initiated in the mid-1930s have dramatically improved up? lands, riparian conditions have continued to decline in most areas. Many grazing management strategies are being used to restore riparian systems, but there is little understanding of basic stream processes or riparian vege? tation requirements. Resource managers must thoroughly understand the re? lationship between the natural stress in individual stream systems and the management stress of the various grazing systems before prescribing solu? tions. Riparian exclosures throughout the West have proven that livestock grazing is not necessary to improve stream riparian systems. However, re? cent experience has shown that with proper grazing, livestock can be present while stream systems are improving.