Toxins and water-borne pests and diseases are reduced. Many ranchers have already changed their management approach. Improving riparian area is considered to be a financially sound investment. The recommended approach is not to eliminate grazing on the highly productive and profitable riparian area, but to monitor and adjust grazing so that all of the riparian pasture areas are kept in healthy condition. This means leaving sufficient carry-over and allowing for woody species regeneration.
Rest is therefore an important part of designing a grazing plan.
Corridor fencing, to prevent grazing of riparian areas, should only be used as a last resort on severely degraded sites access. Although creation of a rotational grazing system may require investment in fences and alternate water sites, forage production and management flexibility are enhanced. Resting pastures during vulnerable periods allows time for plant regrowth and minimizes streambank degradation. Alternate water sites may be developed in uplands to attract cattle away from creeks and to be used in rotational grazing systems. Distribution of grazing pressure may be improved by herding or by placing salt, mineral blocks or oilers in remote sections of the pasture, attracting cattle away from the stream.