Effects of Late Season Cattle Grazing on Riparian Plant Communities

Livestock impacts on riparian plant community composition, structure, and productivity were evaluated. After 3 years of comparison between fall grazed and exclosed (nongrazed) areas, 4 plant communities out of 10 sampled displayed some significant species composition and productivity differences. Two meadow types and the Douglas hawthorne (Crataegus douglasii) community type had significant differences in standing phytomass. These also were utilized more heavily than any other communities sampled. Shrub use was generally light except on willow (Salix spp.)-dominated gravel bars. On gravel bars, succession appeared to be retarded by livestock grazing. Few differences were recorded in other plant communities sampled, particularly those communities with a forest canopy.