Efficiency of low-stress herding and supplement placement to manage cattle grazing riparian areas was examined in a study conducted 24 km east of White Sulphur Springs, MT. Study included 3 treatments: herding (cattle in riparian area moved to an upland salting location), herding with strategic supplementation (cattle in riparian area moved to upland sites with low-moisture blocks), and control (no herding), with each of the three paddocks receiving a different treatment over the three years of the study. Cattle locations were observed daily from 0630-0800 hrs and 1900-2030 hrs for 12 days in 2002, 24 days in 2003, and 26 days in 2004. Slope, elevation, and distance from river, stream or other available water were determined from each position. Each year standing crop was estimated in upland and riparian areas before and after grazing for estimate of forage availability. Fecal pat abundance was estimated along transects in riparian areas as well as uplands. Utilization was measured in riparian areas using stubble height measurements and in upland areas by using height-weight measurements.
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.