While some riparian areas can tolerate carefully managed periods of grazing, none of these areas should be available to livestock on a continuing basis. Fencing keeps livestock from degrading the natural bank system of trees and undergrowth along streams and edges of ponds. Vegetation prevents erosion, provides food and shelter for fish and wildlife. It also prevents sediment-laden runoff and filters contaminants from water moving through the area. Fencing also prevents livestock from entering the stream and depositing manure and wastes directly into the water.
Damaged fences can trap and hold livestock, causing injury or death.
Establish livestock water troughs, feeding stations, shade, and salt licks away from wet areas or slopes and roads that lead to water bodies. Locating feeding and watering areas away from stream courses will encourage livestock not to congregate near a stream. These techniques help discourage livestock from trying to access riparian areas where they might damage fences and hot wires. If natural vegetation is lacking, create a buffer strip or filter strip of adapted vegetation next to each water body and protect it. A buffer or filter strip is a swath of ungrazed vegetation adjacent to the water body.