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Grazing
Management - Techniques for Reducing
Intensity of Use by Influencing Distribution
Smaller
Pastures
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Figure
3-18
Shorter duration and smaller pastures have resulted in improvements
in this reach along Birch Creek. |
A major step
to control the time livestock spend in riparian areas is to establish
smaller pastures with some riparian area in each rather than having
only a few large pastures with a limited amount of riparian area.
Smaller pastures can result in better distribution and forage use
throughout each pasture because the higher stocking density forces
livestock to spread out. More pastures allow for greater control
over the time spent in any one riparian area since livestock can
be moved more frequently when use has reached the desired limit.
Temporary electric fencing and shorter duration grazing periods
along Birch Creek (Figure 3-18) have resulted in healthier western
wheatgrass and regeneration of several woody species. Because of
the higher stocking density, it is imperative to monitor herbaceous
use, browse levels, and streambank conditions closely.
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Figure
3-19
Close management of riparian pastures has significantly improved
vegetation and riparian functions along this Gallatin County
stream. |
Sometimes these
smaller pastures are specifically referred to as riparian pastures.
In this case, they can be defined as small pastures set aside to
be managed to achieve a specific vegetative response. The purpose
of riparian pastures is not to fence out the riparian area, but
to provide for closer management and control of their use. They
should include not just narrow riparian strips but upland areas
with sufficient forage so livestock will not be forced into the
riparian area for feed. The riparian area in Figure 3-19 changed
from steep-sided bare ground to sloped, densely vegetated banks
after the establishment of riparian pastures.
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