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Grazing
Management - Techniques for Reducing
Intensity of Use by Influencing Distribution
Fencing
Fencing
can be a useful tool for achieving certain riparian objectives.
Temporary fencing to allow for the restoration of riparian systems
which are not functioning
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Figure
3-20
Fencing is a management tool with wide applicatoins that need
not involve permanent non-use of riparian areas. |
properly may
be necessary or at least may be the quickest method for reestablishing
healthy and productive riparian areas. Technical improvements in
electric fencing and solar power make temporary fencing a more feasible
option than in the past for managing certain riparian areas.
How much time
may be required to rehabilitate a degraded riparian ecosystem to
functioning condition is a matter of some debate. Not unexpectedly,
the answer must be site-specific and consider such factors as current
physical and hydrologic conditions, existing plant communities,
potential and desired plant communities, topography, and climate.
In many instances, vegetation will recover rapidly, especially if
use is restricted. On the other hand, if the soil and hydrologic
characteristics have been severely degraded, recovery to a properly
functioning condition may take an extended period.
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Figure
3-21
Proper grazing can allow for healthy wetlands. |
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Critical
areas may need to be fenced to exclude livestock grazing. In
some instances, permanent (or at least long-term) exclusion
may be the most feasible option. For example, running pipelines
from a fenced reservoir to an outside trough can provide clean,
cool water for livestock. Simultaneously, it provides excellent
habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife in the reservoir area. |
Permanent fencing,
however, is not the optimum or preferred management approach in
most cases. Figure 3-21 (above) shows a reservoir near Malta which
is not fenced and which was being used by waterfowl when the picture
was taken in August. Cattle had already been in the pasture, but
had been removed by this time. Livestock can be an effective management
tool for waterfowl habitat if their use is managed to achieve specific
objectives. For example, they can prevent cattails from completely
covering the open water, which certain waterfowl species prefer.
If the riparian
area is fenced out and off-stream water is not provided, water gaps
may be used. These are breaks in the fence where livestock can access
the stream, as shown in Figure 3-22. They need not be extensive
in area, as animals quickly learn to drink and then move away from
the stream. Electric fence corridors have been used effectively
to direct cattle a considerable distance to water gaps. Providing
stable access points with rock, gravel, or geoweb matting will encourage
livestock to use the area while reducing soil erosion.
Figure
3-22
Water gaps provide access to required water while limiting streambank
disturbance to small portion of a stream. |
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