Cattle and fish behavior were observed to determine the impact of in-stream cattle watering on the spawning of an endangered salmon species within the Blue Mountain Ecological Province (45° 7’ 57†N; 117° 42’ 31†W) in northeastern Oregon. Cattle grazing was initiated once salmon were observed actively developing a redd. Stocking rate of cattle was 0.82 ha/AUM for 28 days in each year of the study. In the wet year of the 2 year study, utilization was 57% and in the dry year utilization was 74%. Redds were monitored daily with the presence and location noted, while female salmon activity was recorded during 2, 4-hour periods per day for 15 days in the first year and 12 days in the second year.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.