The effects of season long (SL) and high-density short-duration (HDSD) grazing on terrestrial invertebrates populations and the importance of these invertebrates in rangeland stream systems in western Wyoming were examined. Stream reaches within larger pastures where contrasting grazing systems are used were chosen, ten sites near Lander, WY, in 7 streams on North Platte and Wind River drainages, supporting salmonid populations. Season long grazing occurred from early spring to fall often exceeding 120 days; while in the HDSD system cattle were rotated through riparian pastures in intervals of 14 days or less. Aboveground vegetation biomass, species composition, and percent cover were measured at each site. Dominant vegetation types (graminoid, forb, or shrub) were also recorded. Terrestrial invertebrates were collected at each reach with individuals using water at any stage of life classified as aquatic. Fish abundance and biomass were estimated. Trout were collected by electrofishing; collections ended when 10 trout were collect or the reach was electrofished twice. Captured fish were measured and weighted. Reaches were also measured for large woody debris, substrate composition and embeddedness, bankful width, gradient, discharge, number pools, and temperature.
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.