The Riparian Area Management Plan

Authors:Gene Surber, MSU ExtensionNatural Resources Specialist

Bob Ehrhart, Research Specialist,RWRP, Univ. of Montana

Introduction

Ranchers – “do-ers”Planning – systematic way of thinkingWork smarter, not harder

Questions / StepsWhere do we want to be

Set goals

Where are we now?Inventory resources

How are we going to get there?Identify & implement strategies

How will we know we’re moving?Monitor the resources for desired change

Step 1: set goalsProvide purpose and focusSpecific goalsLong-term & Short-term

Goals should be SMARTS – specificM – measurableA – attainableR – relatedT – tractable

Step 2: Inventory resources

Where are you now?Inventory

Conditions of riparian areaResources you have / don’t have

Step 2: Inventory resources

Inventory (assessment) methodsOne method = “Stream channel & riparian monitoring guide”

Basic methodCan be used with little training

Step 2: Inventory resources

LaborMoneyExpertiseEquipmentTime

Step 3: Decide & Implement

What – actions to takeWhere – the actions will occurWhen – the actions will happenHow – the actions will be doneWhat – the actions will achieve

Step 4: Monitor the impacts

Use the assessment guides for monitoring, as wellPhoto-monitoringMany assessments taken over time

Step 4: Monitor the impacts

Why?Why are you monitoring?

What?What are you monitoring?

Step 4: Monitor the impacts

Where?How many sites?

3 sitesDepends upon size of pastureDepends upon different types of riparian areas

AccessibilityTime

Step 4: Monitor the impacts

When?Time of yearRegular basis – trends over time

Same sites, same time each year

Photo-monitoring

Compares past with presentRecord physical & biological changes

What am I trying to show?How can I best “capture” it?Is location appropriate now & in time?

Determining photo locations

Shrubs block your view in 5 to 10 yearsAnticipate floodsSame site from different directions

Permanent locationsUse markersGPS readings (or compass bearings)

Landscape viewUse “photo placard”

DateLocationTime of dayDirection of shot

Vertical point (notch in hill, rock outcropping)

Close-up view3 ft. x 3 ft. squareStand on north sideMetal fence post or steel pole (100 ft away)

Recording informationLocation on mapCompass bearingAllotment and/or pasture nameDate, type of film, camera lens sizeInformation explaining each photograph

Storing the informationNotebookSlides: non-pvc, non-acidic sheetsCD or DVD of digital photos

Limitations – photo monitoring

Quantifiable data may be missedSmall notebookPDA or Palm PilotMicro-cassette