Over an 11-year period, willow (Salix spp.) population characteristics were recorded after 4 different treatments: long term exclosure, long term grazing, recent exclosure and recent grazing. Results showed that canopy cover and average willow stem height increased in all treatments, while species diversity was significantly greater in the long term grazing treatments. The greatest increase in canopy cover, height growth, and stem density of willows occurred in the recent grazing exclosure treatments. Results suggest that continued long-term grazing exclusion may lead to a closed canopy, lower willow species diversity, reduction in new stem height growth, and reduced stem recruitment. Information on the dynamics of willow growth under different grazing treatments should help resource managers determine appropriate livestock utilization levels in similar riparian areas, and develop management plans for these important ecosystems.
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