Provide a trough or watering tank away from the stream. You will be surprised how quickly streamside growth returns. You can even plant willows or other shrubs and trees along your waterway. If riparian pastures are not viable options for your operation, consider using fencing to keep animals away from the water's edge. Inexpensive offstream water can and should be provided.
Wetlands serve as a filter to clean runoff water before it enters a stream.
If this timing is not feasible, consider using fencing to exclude grazing from the wetlands portions of your pastures. Protect wetlands, rivers and estuaries through careful animal waste management. Chemicals Pay very close attention to product directions when you apply fertilizer or herbicides. If herbicides and insecticides get into streams, they can kill aquatic insects which are food for fish. Fertilizer runoff can cause unwanted plant growth in streams which can then rob the water of oxygen.