Introduction
Proper pasture and riparian area
management is an important tool in reducing
nonpoint source pollution. This is accomplished by increasing the
permeability of the soil through plant spacing, root depth, and
depth in the humus and nutrient layer. The humus layer is necessary to
sustain an active microorganism community, which cycles
nutrients. Less bare ground will result in reduced runoff and the subsequent
loss of soil, nutrients, and minerals. Healthy riparian areas provide the
final protection for our water quality by filtering out sediment and pollutants
before they enter streams.
Guidance Principle
Areas should be managed in a way that maintains healthy,
vigorous, diverse, and productive plant communities and soil stability.
This principle is intended to sustain a sound, healthy ecosystem.
BMPs for Pasture and Riparian Area Management
6.1 Develop a site specific
grazing management plan that protects soil and addresses the soil, plant
and water relationship. Short term objectives should move the site toward
your long term goals. Components may include:
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Control the frequency and intensity of grazing to provide
grazed plants the opportunity for adequate regrowth during the growing
season.
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Livestock numbers and distribution should take into consideration
water availability, quantity, quality, and location.
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On irrigated pastures, coordinate grazing and irrigation
to minimize soil compaction and physical disturbance to plants.
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Graze riparian areas when banks are dry, and allow adequate
time for regrowth. Stubble height is critical to provide bank protection
during high water events.
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Season-long grazing is not recommended. A pasture rotation
plan that allows for alternate seasons of use will help protect plant and
soil stablility, prolonging pasture life and quality.
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![click here for larger image [aquatic-riparian-upland ecosystem]](images/page24.gif)
Aquatic-riparian-upland ecosystem
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Properly Managed Riparian Areas
1. Reduce Flood Damage and Decrease Soil Erosion:
Trees, shrubs and grasses dissipate energy by slowing the speed of flood
waters and reducing erosive potential.
2. Protect Water Quality: Riparian vegetation
functions as a "living filter" to trap sediment and recycle nutrients ,
chemicals, and organic waste which flows from surrounding areas.
3. Maintain Stream Flows: Stable riparian systems
and wetlands function like sponges to hold water. This increased streambank
storage capacity helps maintain year-round stream flow.
4. Stabilize Water Temperature and Fishery Habitat:
The riparian zone helps stabilize stream water temperature by providing
shade. Shading is important for cool water fish and for preventing loss
of water through evaporation.
5. Provide Wildlife Habitat: Riparian areas provide
food, cover, water, migration routes, and shade for a wide variety of species
throughout the year.
6. Provide Aesthetic Qualities: People are drawn
to these areas to enjoy the shade, flowing water, wildlife, hunting, and
fishing.
7. Improve Livestock Forage: Healthy riparian
areas can provide greater quantity and better quality livestock forage. |
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