Water

Riparian Areas Among the most productive parts of a ranch.

• Water and nutrients make them especially resilient.

Riparian Areas Provide

• Food• Shelter• Water

Riparian Management Riparian Areas – source of renewable

resources. There are several management principles to

consider.

Streambank Shearing of stream banks Caving-in of steam banks Reducing quality undercuts Reducing vegetation Increasing the stream bank

angle Increasing the width and decreasing the

depth.

Water Column Drainage of wet meadows Lowering of the water table Introduction of sediments Magnitude and timing of nutrients entering the stream Fecal coliform bacteria contamination Increasing width and decreasing depth Increase stream temperature Changes in the timing and magnitude of streamflow.

Effects on Channel Changes in channel

form Increased sediment

transport Increased deposition

rates

Effects on Vegetation Changes in vegetation species

• Brush to grass to forbs Vegetation – protects from:

• Erosion• Compaction

Trap sediments & nutrients Reduces soil and water temperature

Management Techniques Season of Use and

Rest Off-stream water

• Improved water quality• Better footing

Management Techniques Stable access point

• Reduce streambank trampling

• Livestock prefer stable footing and clean water

Placement of salt and mineral supplements• Especially when used

with off-stream water

Management Techniques Improve upland

forage Drift fences and

other obstacles Establishing smaller

pastures• Smaller pasture w/

some riparian area in each

Management Techniques Fencing

• Temporary fencing to allow for restoration