This research project studied foliar cover responses of montane riparian vegetation, with respect to 4 grazing treatments: long-term grazing (G), protection from livestock grazing since 1956 (P), recent protection following long-term grazing (P88), and recent livestock grazing following protection (G88). Determination of plant community composition from foliar cover over 2 growing seasons resulted in a baseline floristic inventory, comparisons of plant community status, and short-time trend information required for future research on community status in the area. When percent foliar cover means were paired using Sorensen's similarity index, long-term grazing and short-term grazing treatments were least similar in August 1988. Long-term protection and short-term grazing were most similar in June 1989. Average sedge and forb cover was least affected, while responses of individual sedge species varied with treatments. Average percent grass cover increased under short-term protection, after a history of long-term grazing. Short-term grazing stimulated foliar cover of forbs, grasses, and sedges after more than 30 years of cattle exclusion.
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.