Riparian Area

Riparian ecosystems are the green ribbons of lush vegetation located adjacent to rivers, creeks, lakes, springs, wetlands and coulees. They are a transition zone between the upland and aquatic ecosystems. On the Prairies, the increased moisture found in these areas produces unique plant communities that differ noticeably from surrounding crop and pasture land. Riparian areas account for only 1-2% of the total land base of the Prairies, however they provide important environmental and economic benefits.

Some benefits include: nesting and foraging sites for migratory songbirds, critical habitat for wildlife such as escape cover and shelter during harsh weather. They also serve to naturally purify water, recharge groundwater, slow and alleviate floods, and reduce erosion by water. Economic benefits include adding fertility to floodplain soils, providing forage, shelter, shade, and sources of high quality water for livestock. Good management of riparian areas may also mean increased forage productivity and stabilized incomes for livestock producers.

Riparian areas are highly productive, often producing significantly higher quantities of forage than adjacent upland sites. Fields with riparian range sites can be grazed each year, however timing of the grazing is important to ensure that it does not impair important ecological functions. Deferral of grazing until the mid or late part of the season (July - August) is usually advised. By this time, the streambanks have dried and are better able to withstand livestock hoof action and riparian vegetation is still green and lush when the upland sites have started to brown off and go dormant for the year.

The two main tools employed in riparian management are fencing and off-stream watering sites. Fencing gives the land manager the flexibility to alter the grazing in both the upland and riparian fields to accommodate environmental and economic goals. Limiting livestock access to the stream with watering corridors, or pumping water to troughs provides cattle with improved water. This can mean improved weight gains in both calves and adult cattle.

Related information

Grazing: a Natural Component of Grassland Ecozone Riparian Systems
Using Off-Stream Water Sources as a Beneficial Management Practice in Riparian Areas - A Literature Review
Riparian Area Management
Riparian areas: an undervalued Saskatchewan resource
Managing livestock in a riparian zone
Protecting your shorelands for better farming and ranching, and healthier fish habitat

PFRA has partnered with Cows and Fish, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Alberta Cattle Commission and Agriculture and Food Council to deliver the Community Riparian Program. The goal of this initiative is to improve awareness and management of riparian areas by encouraging community-based approaches to resource management. This three year initiative is administered by the Agriculture and Food Council with funds allocated from the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development Fund (CARD). For further program details contact your local PFRA office in Alberta or visit the Agriculture and Food Council website for more information and application forms.

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority also works to promote awareness of riparian management practices. It's Streambank Stewardship Program has produced a Landowner's Guide and several factsheets.