Fencing water sources improves herd health by reducing livestock contact with waterborne microorganisms. Fencing also stabilizes stream banks, prolongs dugout use, reduces soil erosion and protects vegetated areas along water bodies. Fencing dugouts to keep out cattle prolongs dugout use. Maintain vegetation along streams, lakes and dugouts. Areas beside water bodies with vegetation like willows, poplar and grasses are known as riparian areas.
Riparian areas help filter sediment and nutrients from runoff and reduce bank erosion.
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