To Graze or not to Graze. Do Cattle Belong in Riparian Areas? In Some Cases, Yes, say Experts.
by Larry Powell While mixed messages seem to be emerging about the wisdom of grazing cattle near rivers, streams and lakes, experts say, not so. Courtesy of Water's Edge Courtesy of the Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District Above - The pretty and the ugly sides of riparian management. For years, the Government of Manitoba and Conservation Districts have promoted the idea of keeping livestock away from these so-called "riparian areas." Financial incentives, grants and even tax breaks have been offered to producers who keep their cattle away from shorelines. The Lake of the Prairies Conservation District, (LPCD) for example, is now offering ranchers along waterways such as the Shell and Assiniboine Rivers, up to $5,000 each if they take certain steps. They'll be eligible for up to $3,000 if they install "offsite" (away from shorelines) watering systems and additional incentives for building fences to keep their livestock back, or repai