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