Schulz and Leininger examined the differences in riparian communities, canopy cover, density and standing crop of important riparian species (Salix spp., Poa palustris, Poa pratensis, Deschampsia caespitosa, etc.) inside exclosures and on an adjacent Forest Service allotment where cattle utilize approximately 65% of the forage in a season-long grazing system in northcentral Colorado. Total vascular vegetation, litter cover, and shrub canopy cover were greater in the exclosed sites. Deschampsia caespitosa, a preferred forage species, showed no difference in cover between the grazed areas and exclosures. This study indicated similar densities of willows in grazed areas and exclosures, but willows were not able to grow as tall on streambanks in grazed areas, even though grazing pressure in the Sheep Creek Allotment had been reduced by 2/3 over levels from 50 years ago. Other values, such as nongame wildlife and fisheries habitat, have changed as a result of cattle exclusion. Some rest may be needed from cattle grazing to reestablish healthy stands of shrubs such as willows in degraded riparian areas.
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.