Riparian Area Management: Grazing Management in Riparian Areas

BLM Technical Reference 1737-4

Generally speaking riparian areas are among the most resilient ecosystems on public land. Depending on condition and potential they usually respond more quickly to changes in management than do drier upland ranges. The purpose of this document is to present information from various land managers and researchers that can be used to guide livestock management in riparian areas utilizing their unique responsiveness to accomplish management objectives. This technical reference is largely based on empirical information because of the small amount of research based information available on successful grazing management in riparian areas. The specific management practices and concepts detailed herein can be used to accomplish management objectives in other riparian areas. This technical reference will be updated periodically as more becomes known about the management of grazing in riparian areas.