Can I use livestock grazing as a management tool in wetlands?

Managing Wetland Vegetation

Livestock grazing is a valuable tool for managing wetland vegetation. By introducing grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, or goats, land managers can control the growth of invasive species like cattails and phragmites, which can outcompete native plants and reduce habitat diversity. For example, a study in the Prairie Pothole Region found that grazing reduced cattail cover by 70% and increased the abundance of native plants like sedges and bulrushes.

Creating Green Tree Reservoirs

Grazing can also be used to create green tree reservoirs, a type of moist-soil wetland that provides critical breeding habitat for waterfowl. By managing grazing pressure to maintain a mosaic of vegetation types, land managers can promote the growth of native trees and shrubs, which provide food and shelter for waterfowl. For example, in a study in the Chesapeake Bay region, grazing was used to create green tree reservoirs that supported populations of over 10,000 American golden-plovers.

Water Control and Habitat Diversity

In addition to managing vegetation, grazing can also be used to control water levels in wetlands. By introducing cattle or other grazing animals, land managers can create pathways and clearings that allow water to flow through the wetland, promoting habitat diversity and reducing the risk of waterlogging. For example, in a study in the Delta Marshes of Manitoba, grazing was used to create a network of pathways that allowed water to flow through the wetland, supporting populations of over 100,000 waterfowl.