This study used government agency aquatic habitat, stream morphologic, and ocular stability data to assess land management impacts over four years on three stream reaches in northwestern Nevada. Aquatic habitat improved as riparian vegetation reestablished with decreased and better controlled livestock grazing. However, sediment from livestock disturbances and road crossings, coupled with very low stream flows limited the rate of change. Coarse woody debris removal from previous management limited pool recovery. Ocular stability variables tracked the quantitative habitat and morphologic variables well enough to recommend that ocular surveys be used to monitor changes with time between more intensive aquatic surveys.
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.