Impacts of Rest-Rotation Grazing on Stream Banks in Forested Watersheds in Idaho

Abstract

Abstract Rest-rotation grazing in Idaho allowed forage in the stream-side zone to be used at a higher rate than on either immediately adjacent range or the overall grazing allotment. Stream sides received unauthorized grazing during the scheduled rest periods, however, and complete rest was difficult to achieve. Cattle appeared to graze stream-side meadows at high elevations with less intensity during the early grazing period when vegetation was lush than during the late grazing period. Stream-bank alteration occurred soon after cattle were turned into ungrazed meadows.