Since the 1930's, under better range management, the condition of rangelands has steadily improved. Unfortunately, riparian-stream portions of the ranges have not improved as dramatically. Many authors have demonstrated that improperly managed grazing animals have the ability to damage riparian stream habitats. Other authors, however, have demonstrated that livestock grazing under well managed strategies can utilize riparian forage compatibly with riparian-stream environments. Grazing practices and strategies that hold promise in properly managing riparian-stream ecosystems include use of a riparian pasture, fencing streamside corridors, controlling class of livestock, using specialized grazing strategies such as rest-rotation and double rest-rotation, and winter grazing. There are grazing practices available that are compatible with riparian-stream ecosystems. These practices are likely to become more important to provide riparian systems capable of withstanding high runoff events.
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