Conservation Projects (Riparian Area Protection)
Riparian area management and rotational grazing systems work together
to protect and enhance water quality, soil, and wildlife habitat. The
Kerr Center has developed several working demonstrations to show producers
how these techniques work in the field. A riparian area is the vegetated area adjacent to a stream or other
body of water. Riparian area ecosystems are often threatened because of
their attractive location. Riparian bottomland forests have been cleared
to become prime farmlands or prime real estate.
However, riparian areas in their natural state help reduce floods, stabilize
stream banks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and control and
reduce the effects of non-point pollution.
Non point source pollution can include pesticides, fertilizers, and sediment
from the surrounding watershed. In LeFlore County, according to researchers,
runoff containing chicken litter is polluting lakes and streams. One of the most important aspects of a riparian area is the benefit to
wildlife. Not only do riparian areas provide food and shelter, but act
as travel corridors between increasingly segmented habitats.
Buffer Strips
The Kerr Center has fenced cattle out of several riparian areas on the
ranch, establishing "buffer strips" along streams. Click here for a slide
show showing the changes in one fenced riparian area over
several years time.
Limited Access Watering Points
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limited access watering point |
At the Stewardship Ranch, several ponds have been constructed to provide
water for the livestock. Developing these water points has had the added
benefits of allowing us to cross-fence more effectively, intensify grazing,
and better utilize the pastures. The new ponds have been fenced so cattle have restricted access. A floating
fence and rock ramps have been installed to allow cattle access to the
water, yet keep them from wading all over the pond. The ramps help prevent
soil erosion, extend the life of the pond, improve water quality, and
enhance the wildlife.
Stabilized Stream
Crossing Points
Stream crossing points are an important consideration for both livestock
and machinery. When a stream bisects pastureland, fencing out cattle from
portions of the stream will often concentrate livestock at a single crossing
point. Stabilizing crossing points can help eliminate some of the problems
associated with the increased traffic.
Several points have been installed on the stewardship ranch using a
design provided by the NRCS.
Click here for a slide
show showing the installation of a stabilized stream crossing
point.
Contact:
David Redhage
Natural Resources Economist
918.647.9123
dredhage@kerrcenter.com
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