Concentrations and loadings of fecal coliform (FC) indicator bacteria were measured from 1979 through 1984 in streamflow from 13 forested watersheds in Oregon. Differences among strategies for mean concentrations were A<C=B<D. For instantaneous loadings, significant differences were A<C, B or D; and C<D. FC concentrations were the same for winter and for snowmelt runoff seasons but concentrations of both were lower than during the summer period. Loadings were different for each season with winter less than summer, which was less than snowmelt runoff. Levels of FC organisms in streamflow appear to be more closely related to watershed characteristics that determine where livestock are likely to concentrate than to stocking rates. Strategy C had FC counts similar to those of strategy D watersheds, despite actual use that was 67% less. This watershed has meadows similar to those on strategy D watersheds.
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.