A four year study of a montane stream in New Mexico, from which cattle grazing had been excluded for 10 years, indicated that stream bank vegetation and stability were improved. Salmonids (Brown trout, Rio Grande trout, and hybrid trout) were more abundant in the ungrazed area, while nonsalmonids (Rio Grande chub and Rio Grande sucker) were more abundant in the grazed area. Natural variation in fish populations, combined with very low salmonid populations precludes statements that trout populations were enhanced by grazing removal in this study area. Overall, the results showed that fish populations were unaffected. This study had three major problems that are common to other similarly designed studies of riparian grazing effects. These problems involve the lack of pretreatment data, fisheries management considerations, and spatiotemporal considerations. Cattle behavior patterns, and the economics of altering such behavior, favor a research approach that includes complete watersheds, is preceded by pretreatment data, and is long-term in nature.
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.