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Beaked sedge (Carex utriculata) is a dominant species within montane riparian meadow communities in northern Arizona and is utilized by both livestock and wild ungulates throughout the growing season.� Managing grazing in riparian areas containing beaked sedge as a component of critical habitat for the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is of increasing importance in the Southwestern Region.� In order to determine potential best management grazing practices, we examined grazed and ungrazed stubble heights of beaked sedge from 2 riparian meadow pastures in northeastern Arizona between 2009 and 2017. �Management practices employed to control intensity and timing of grazing included the use of portable electric fence and active herding of cattle. Adaptive management allowed flexible use periods based on growing season conditions and levels of use desired. �Stubble height measurements were taken prior to, during, and following livestock grazing and throughout the growing season during years of complete rest. �Average stubble heights ranged from 5 to 18 inches on grazed plants and 8 to 26 inches on ungrazed plants, depending upon season of use. �The percent of plants grazed in all years was generally below 50%. Our data highlight 3 major findings: 1. It is important when, where and how sedge heights are measured in terms of meeting suggested guidelines for riparian vegetation; 2. Sedges grazed early to mid-growing season will significantly recover height by the end of the growing season; and 3. Wild ungulate use may impact meeting any stubble height guidelines in these riparian areas. �If stubble heights are used to guide grazing management of riparian meadows, we recommend integrating adaptive management principles, such as flexible timing, into allotment management plans. �Effective communication between the permittee and Forest Service range specialists is key to applying adaptive management practices to riparian grazing. �We show that through successful working relationships established between the landowner and USFS, managed livestock grazing in riparian meadows can meet reasonable guidelines and maintain desired conditions for multiple resource objectives.