Figure 3-2: Sequential Degrading of Stream Channel

USDI-BLM, USDA-Forest Service. 1995. Rangeland Reform '94 Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Bureau of Land Management. Washington, DC: 3-45 (citing USDI-BLM. 1993. Riparian area management: process for assessing proper functioning condition. Tech. Ref. 1737-9. Bureau of Land Management, Service Center. Denver, CO.).

USDI-BLM, USDA-Forest Service. 1995. Rangeland Reform ’94 Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Bureau of Land Management. Washington, DC: 3-44 - 47.

Riparian communities in good condition are fragile and complex. They act like a huge sponge or natural reservoir in times of water abundance, then, through capillary action, slowly release stored water during dry periods of the year (BLM 1989). This results in moderated stream flow yearlong for perennial streams or extended pe­riods of flow for intermittent streams (Heede 1977; Brinson and others 1981, Winegar 1977). In some cases, restored riparian habitats will reestablish perennial flow in streams that are intermittent in a deteriorated condition.

A healthy riparian community protects streambanks from erosion and maintains a high water table and productive habitat for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Overhanging vegetation protects water from direct solar heating and cov­ers fish while they hide and rest (BLM 1989). Healthy riparian communities also provides habitats for hundreds of terrestrial species, sig­nificantly contributing to the biological diver­sity and quality of the ecosystem (Thomas and others 1979).

Excessive livestock grazing [sic] affects many re­sources watersheds, but no community is more susceptible to degradation than those associated with aquatic resources. Beginning at the head­waters, livestock severely trample source springs and destroy protective riparian vegetation and reducing spring outflow. Without shade from riparian vegetation, solar radiation rapidly in­creases water temperatures (F&WS and NMFS 1981).

Downstream, livestock heavily concentrate in the riparian zone removing protective veg­etation. Trampling results in soil disturbance, particularly in wet meadows and stream channels. Erosion of the stream channel is acceler­ated, eventually resulting in a lowered water table, reduced water storage capabilities of streambanks and floodplains, and altered streamflow morphology (F&WS and NMFS 1981; Winegar 1977).

Altered streamflow morphology typically increases frequency and intensity of flooding (no retention of precipitation) and reduced late summer flow or loss of perennial flow when water is needed most. Increased runoff or fre­quent flooding further increases erosion, result­ing in widened and straightened stream chan­nels, which allows increased water velocity dur­ing flow periods and increased exposure of the water to sunlight. During low flow periods liv­ing space for fish is significantly reduced and water temperature elevates rapidly due to in­creased exposure to solar radiation. In addition, water for use in irrigation and watering of live­stock is reduced.

As erosion progresses and water tables lower, natural grass meadows are left high and dry. Once meadow grasses die, brush species, such as sagebrush and rabbitbrush, immediately en­croach and reduce the amount and quality of forage (BLM 1993g). Figure 3-2 shows the se­quential degrading of a stream channel and its associated riparian community (wet meadow). As riparian resources degrade, accelerated ero­sion incises stream channels, lowering water tables and restricting historically wide flood­plains to narrow riparian communities in wash bottoms. Figure 3-3 shows recovery of stream-­associated riparian areas.

Heavy livestock grazing [sic] most severely affects the stream channel. Livestock tend to spend a large portion of their time within the riparian community because of the lush vegetation and shade. As a result, livestock consume a greater percentage of riparian vegetation than they con­sume on surrounding uplands. While grazing, livestock trample riparian vegetation and streambanks. Eventually protective riparian veg­etation is lost. Streambanks are sheared off through trampling and become erodible (Bow­ers and others 1979).

Once streambanks are broken down and eroded, streams are left wide and shallow with significantly less living space or hiding cover for fish. Wide streams have huge surface areas ex­posed and susceptible to increased water tem­peratures and rapid evaporation (Brown and Krygler 1967; Crispin 1981). Eroding streambanks contribute excessive sand and silt accumulation over the stream bottom, decreas­ing aquatic invertebrates (fish food) production and smothering fish eggs in spawning areas (Armour 1978).

The most significant results of excessive live­stock grazing [sic] in riparian areas are as follows:

• Fish, particularly salmonids, are reduced in numbers, size, and distribution, with populations eventually being elimi­nated.
• Water quality degrades from increased turbidity and chemicals (livestock pol­lutants) leaching through soils.
• Less or no water is stored within banks, causing flood damage and reduced late season flows of springs and streams.
• Less water exists for livestock, wildlife, farmers, and recreationists during dry periods, when water is in greatest de­mand.
• Recreational resources such as game, fish, watchable wildlife, and aesthetic values are reduced or eliminated.
• Wildlife habitats are lost as vegetation and water quality degrade or are elimi­nated.
• Vegetation changes from desirable grasses to less desirable, unpalatable shrubs, reducing the amount of forage for livestock.

Figure 3-3: Recover of Stream-Associated Riparian Area

USDI-BLM, USDA-Forest Service. 1995. Rangeland Reform '94 Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Bureau of Land Management. Washington, DC: 3-46 (citing USDI-BLM. 1993. Riparian area management: process for assessing proper functioning condition. Tech. Ref. 1737-9. Bureau of Land Management, Service Center. Denver, CO.).