Grazing Management

Grazing Management POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Nutrients and Organics, Pathogens, Sediments

DESCRIPTION: The focus of the grazing management measure is on the riparian zone, yet the control of erosion from range, pasture, and other grazing lands above the riparian zone is also encouraged. Application of this management measure will reduce the physical disturbance to sensitive areas and reduce the discharge of sediment, animal waste, nutrients, and chemicals to surface waters. This can be accomplished by exclusion from grazing, seasonal rotation, rest, or a combination of these measures.

LAND USE CLASSIFICATION: Agricultural areas Grazing areas Disturbed areas Riparian corridors ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Grazing management protects the viability of riparian plant communities which: preserves habitat for native species, stabilizes stream banks, helps to control flooding.

LOAD REDUCTION MECHANISM: Nutrients/Organics Management- Proper management provides for healthy riparian plants, which have the ability to take up excess nutrients.

POTENTIAL TREATMENT AREAS: Agricultural Lands Streamside

Sediment Reduction - Proper management provides for healthy riparian vegetation which stabilize the stream bank, reducing soil erosion.

ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES: Fencing Watering Facility

Pathogen Reduction – Riparian plants can filter out potential pathogens before they reach the water body.

PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS: None

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Grazing Management POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Nutrients and Organics, Pathogens, Sediments

Level 100: PASSIVE MANAGEMENT 5. Duration and intensity of grazing will be based on desired plant health and expected productivity of key forage species to meet management unit objectives.

LOAD REDUCTION POTENTIAL: LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH 6. Adjust grazing periods and/or stocking rates to meet the desired objectives for the plant communities and the associated resources, including the grazing animal.

ESTIMATED TIME FOR LOAD REDUCTION: IMMEDIATE

MONTHS2 YEARS

> 2 YEARS

7. Schedule livestock movements based on rate of plant growth, available forage and utilization, not calendar dates.

EXPECTED MAINTENANCE: LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH 8.

ESTIMATED COST: LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH

Periodic rest from grazing may be needed to maintain or restore the desired plant community following episodic events, such as wildfire or severe drought.

9. Maintain adequate ground cover and plant density to maintain or improve filtering capacity of the vegetation.

PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION: 1. Removal of herbage will be in accordance with site production limitations, rate of plant growth, and the physiological needs of forage plants.

2. Manage kind of animal, animal number, grazing distribution, length of grazing periods, and timing of use to provide sufficient deferment from grazing during the growing period.

3. Protect soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources when locating livestock feeding, handling, and watering facilities.

10. Minimize concentrated livestock areas to enhance nutrient distribution and improve or maintain ground cover.

Riparian Planting Zone: Toe & Bank Zones and Upland zone

4. Manage grazing animals to maintain adequate vegetative cover on sensitive areas (i.e. riparian, wetland, habitats of concern, karst areas).

Photo courtesy of ADEQ Streambank Stabilization Plan

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