SElECiiNq key areas aincI kEy spEciEs In rIparIan areas. 



Key grazing areas should be selected to serve as indicators of grazing management for the entire grazing unit. A key area in a riparian area should be 

 indicative of the rest of the riparian areas in the pasture. If the riparian area is part of a riparian pasture, it should be representative of the pasture. Key 

 areas in riparian grazing units must contain key plant species selected based on their ability to provide streambank stabilization and filtering capabili- 

 ties, such as native sedges and other deep-rooted grasses and shrubs. On sites where both woody and herbaceous plants will grow, select key species of 

 each type. 



Several key areas may be selected in a riparian grazing unit. Where uplands and riparian areas are managed in the same grazing unit, select key areas 

 along the riparian zone as well as in upland sites. 



Areas of animal concentration, such as stream crossings, watering points, fence lines, or gates, should not be selected as key areas because they do not 

 represent the grazing unit as a whole. These types of areas would he considered critical areas. Critical areas are established to monitor a specific re- 

 source concern or goal. Do monitor these areas and redistribute livestock to prevent resource damage, particularly when animals concentrate in the 

 riparian zone. However, critical areas should not be used to evaluate the condition or health of the rest of the pasture. The critical area only tells you 

 what is happening in that critical area! 



Management options to maintain or restore the health of 

 riparian areas: 



• Alternate livestock turn in locations from year to 

 year. 



• Set grazing periods and specific rest periods to protect 

 streambank stability. 



• Alrernate the season of use from year to year. 



• Set target grazing use levels to maintain both herba- 

 ceous and woody plants (according to the site's 

 potential) and the desired plant community, and 

 monitor use each year to be sure you are meeting your 

 objectives. 



• Leave enough plant growth to protect streambanks 

 anil tiller sediments. 



A key area in a r(/)«rum urea sliinild he iutUeutixe »)/ the rest itj the riparian areas in the pasture 



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