Platts and Nelson examined the effects of a rest-rotation grazing system versus complete rest on streams that had experienced wildlife use exclusively, in the previous 20 years, as well as streams that had been managed under a rest rotation system for 20 years or more. Streamside vegetation experiences a higher utilization rate (65-69%) than the upland portion of pastures (51-54%), although spring pastures to a lesser degree. On the previously ungrazed areas, relative to the control plots, streambank alteration increased, but the rest period provided a slight, insufficient remission period; the vegetative regrowth masked the previous year's bank alterations. The authors conclude that under most rest-rotation grazing systems, the riparian areas experience too heavy of use and the rest period (if it occurs) is often inadequate, which equates to a downward trend in steambank stability and riparian health over time.
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