grazing management for healthy riparian areas
DESCRIPTION
Grazing Management for Healthy Riparian Areas. Authors: Gene Surber, MSU Extension Natural Resources Specialist Bob Ehrhart, Research Specialist, RWRP, Univ. of Montana. Introduction. Addresses principles and techniques for grazing your riparian areas Each ranch operation is unique. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Grazing Management for Healthy Riparian Areas
Authors:Gene Surber, MSU ExtensionNatural Resources Specialist
Bob Ehrhart, Research Specialist,RWRP, Univ. of Montana
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IntroductionAddresses principles and techniques for grazing your riparian areasEach ranch operation is unique
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General Principles for Grazing Livestock in Riparian Areas1. Taylor your grazing approach2. Incorporate into overall plan3. Select a season of use4. Limit livestock time5. Influence livestock time6. Ensure adequate vegetation cover7. Provide adequate regrowth time & rest8. Take an active management role
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1. Taylor your grazing approach
No “cookbook” solutionsSpecific riparian objectives
InventoryMonitoring program
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2. Incorporate into overall plan
Don’t neglect the majority of the ranchConsider impact of actions on riparian areasWhat you do in riparian areas my affect your uplands – vice versa
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3. Select a season of useNo one season is “best”Dependent upon
Physical characteristicsConditionPlant stage developmentWeatherTypes of animals
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4. Limit livestock timeCow/Calf pairs spend a disproportionate amount of time near the creekReduce time in riparian pastures
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5. Influence livestock distribution
Encourage cattle to move away from the stream
Season of useOff-stream water
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6. Ensure adequate vegetation cover
How muchType“Adequate” – depends upon
LocationSpring runoffWildlife use
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7. Provide adequate regrowth time & rest
Plants need rest for:
GrowthSeed developmentStorage of carbohydrates
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8. Active management role
On-the-ground observationFlexibility to changing conditions
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Variety of techniquesAppropriate season of use for grazing riparian areasReducing intensity of use – distribution of livestock
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Determining Season of Use
The predicted response of different plant species; The grazing impact on plant communities; and The percent of soil moisture on the site.
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Early season (spring) grazing
Livestock attracted to uplandsCool temperaturesWet soils – may discourage useCoarse-textured, fine-grained soils
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Hot-season (mid-summer)Closely monitor – limited durationEncourage livestock to move outProvide opportunity for regrowthWarm season species
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Late Season (fall) grazingHerbaceous versus tree or shrubCool season plant communitiesOff-stream water available
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Winter UseLarge pastureDrainages colder than uplandsFrozen soil – to reduce compaction
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Techniques: reduce intensity
Influence distribution
Alternate water
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Influence livestock distribution
Troughs dug into hillsides – covered with dirtStable access points to water
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Influence livestock distribution
Side barsGravelSimple bridge
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Influence livestock distribution
Placement of salt and mineralsImprove upland forage
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Influence livestock distribution
Extended plant restRiding
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Influence livestock distribution
Drift fences or other obstacles
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Influence livestock distribution
Turn-in locationSmall pastures
Closer management control
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Influence livestock distribution
FencingRestorationProtect streambanksRehabilitation
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Influence livestock distribution
Permanent fencingNo fence optionsWater gaps