Livestock Grazing and Riparian Areas: A Literature Review

The riparian zone is increasingly recognized as an important part of the Saskatchewan landscape. Riparian areas are described as the transition zones between the upland and the aquatic environments, and form narrow strips along rivers, streams, lakes and other bodies of water. Riparian areas occupy a relatively small proportion of the total landscape, but their ecological and economic values are proportionately much greater. Riparian ecosystems are important for fish habitat, recreation, and maintenance of quality and quantity of water, and for providing forage, water and shelter for wildlife and livestock. Some authorities distinguish between lotic and lentic riparian ecosystems. Lotic environments are associated with a defined channel and flowing water, such as streams and rivers. Lentic environments, on the other hand, are characterized by still water and by the absence of defined channels, such as lakes and potholes. The overall objective of this report is to review literature related to the impacts of livestock grazing on riparian areas and the response of riparian ecosystems to various grazing management approaches and practices.