Utilization of upland and riparian vegetation was measured from 1976-1982 on sites in Idaho, Utah, and Nevada under rotation, rest-rotation, deferred, and season-long continuous grazing strategies, in large allotments and small riparian pastures. In the large allotments, riparian vegetation was more heavily used than upland vegetation (29% more use on average) and use of riparian vegetation by cattle was heavy to severe. In small riparian pastures, which were fenced off to include 50% riparian vegetation and 50% upland vegetation, use was much more balanced between the two vegetation zones and on average the upland vegetation received 10% more use than the riparian vegetation. Although small riparian pastures are somewhat costly to install, they may be a cost-effective and useful management tool to reducing cattle overgrazing of riparian vegetation and to restore riparian area health when compared to alternatives.
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.