This review paper tracks Idaho's rangeland livestock-fishery resources from their historic development to the future, and discusses the importance of managing rangelands to produce the optimum mix of forage and fisheries resources. The dramatic increase in the numbers of fisherman, especially non-residents, has intensified the fishing pressure in Idaho. This large increase has been great for the state's economy, but it has made it more difficult for the natural fishery to satisfy the needs of the in-State sport fishery, plus downriver sport and commercial fishing. Resource managers have had little choice, other than to intensify the management of the streams, so they will produce more fish. Idaho failed to treat its riparian habitats with respect that was needed, and many streams no longer have their once-productive streamside vegetative cover. As a result, streambank and channel conditions have been altered and a century of heavy combined impacts have led to Idaho's streams incapacity to produce the historically high numbers of fish. Historically, livestock (introduced into Idaho during the 1700's) have played an important role in Idaho's economy too, and the sale of livestock generates more income than any other single agricultural commodity. Improper livestock grazing can degrade all 4 components that make up the fisheries habitat: streamside vegetation, stream channel condition, shape and quality of the water column, and the structure of the streambank. The riparian pasture concept has been developed and implemented with stream corridor fencing that could be used to protect and enhance certain high-value resources. Most importantly, grazing strategies such as patterns of rest-rotation have been improved to the point that they could move Idaho ahead in rangeland management.
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.