No Loitering Permitted

The Canadian plains evolved
with millions of grazing animals.
Early travellers often noted
severe impacts to streams and
wetlands from the migrating
herds of bison and elk.



However, these impacts were
short-lived and riparian areas
were maintained over thousands
of years. The key feature of the
natural system was that after
there was grazing, there was rest.


Bison impacts on the prairie and foothills ranges were often severe, but after grazing there was rest. The yearly cycle of bison migration that incorporated summer use of the plains with winter use of the foothills and parkland provided effective rest for the riparian areas.
When grazing is too intense, happens
during vulnerable periods, occurs
without rest, or when distribution is
poor, livestock can hold down the
"spring" of riparian plant succession.
Compressing the Spring
Releasing the Spring

When riparian management principles
are carefully applied and in balance,
riparian plant communities will
"uncoil" and deep-rooted plants and
woody species are released.
  Grazing, regrazing and
  trampling will damage
  vegetation and soil. In the
  natural system localized
  impacts were short-lived
  because animals did not
  loiter for long periods of
  time and use was followed
  by rest.
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