Research Branch Staff Publications

Analysis of livestock use of riparian areas: literature review and research needs assessment for British Columbia.

Citation:

Powell, G.W., K.J. Cameron and R.F. Newman. 2000. Analysis of livestock use of riparian areas: literature review and research needs assessment for British Columbia. B.C. Ministry of Forests, Forest Science Program, Victoria. Working Paper 52. 37 p.

Abstract:

Riparian areas are diverse, productive, and important to the overall ecological framework of British Columbia. There is heightened awareness of the potential effects of resource management activities in riparian areas. This concern is encapsulated in riparian regulations and guidelines of the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act. Information regarding livestock use of riparian areas was compiled and reviewed as a .first step in developing research to address the information needs of riparian area management in British Columbia. Literature on the effects and interactions of livestock grazing in riparian areas throughout North America was reviewed. Six general conclusions were drawn from the synthesis and review of the literature:

1. Most of the available information on livestock–riparian interactions is primarily applicable to arid ecosystems (equivalent to, or drier than, the Bunchgrass biogeoclimatic zone),
2. Most of the available information on livestock–riparian interactions is applicable to lotic ecosystems (actively moving water),
3. Most of the research conducted has focused on contrasting extremes (e.g., comparing very heavy grazing to an ungrazed control),
4. Appropriate levels of livestock use that maintain good-quality riparian habitat are difficult to quantify,
5. Effects of livestock grazing in riparian areas on wildlife habitat are variable (grazing creates or enhances some wildlife habitat, while eliminating or degrading other wildlife habitat),
6. Riparian areas and the effects of livestock grazing have not been studied adequately at a landscape level.

Availability:

• Download the PDF document