Cattle grazing has varying impacts on stream-channel erosion in oak woodlands

The impact of grazing on stream channel erosion was studied over five years on the foothill rangelands of central California. A study of erosion on stream channel drainage caused by cattle trails was also conducted. During the dry season, the high densities of cattle at the stream banks reduced groundcover and vegetation, but did not appear to affect streambank erosion. Cattle trails, on the other hand, deliver sediment directly into stream channels. This can be addressed to some degree by locating the stock watering spots closer together.