Drawing courtesy of University of
Wisconsin Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources
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Pond and Stream Buffers
Use secure permanent or semi-permanent fencing
to protect streams, ponds and wetlands from animal access.
Where possible, maintain a minimum 10 - 15
feet wide strip of vegetation between the fencing and water's
edge. A 35 feet wide buffer is best. Native trees, shrubs
and other vegetation is best for protecting water quality
and habitat.
Pond
and Stream Buffers:
Trap
and filter pollutants - nutrients, pathogens, and sediments.
Provide
bank stability.
Protect against flooding and increase groundwater
recharge.
Provide habitat for both aquatic and terrestial
species.
Photos courtesy of USDA NRCS
Drawing courtesy of USDA NRCS, CT Horse Environmental Awareness
Program. |
For more information on
pond and stream buffers:
URI Home*A*Syst
Program Fact Sheet on Shoreland
Buffers.
URI
Watershed Hydrology Laboratory - Research on riparian
zones and watershed processes.
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Providing
Limited Pond and Stream Access
When livestock must access a stream
for crossing, or when alternative watering options are not
immediately feasible,
consider fencing a buffer for the majority of the pond or
stream edge.
A small access area can be provided.
Contact the USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service for
planning information.
Stream crossing - note the strip of native trees
along this stream that help to anchor the stream bank and provide
valuable shade and filtering of pollutants.
Photos courtesy of USDA NRCS
Access ramp for livestock watering.
The fencing provides limited access. The ramp is protected
with a footing
of crushed stone to reduce erosion and sedimentation into the
stream.
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Alternative
Watering Systems
To provide animals with clean drinking water and
eliminate direct access to ponds and streams, portable watering
tubs with automatic float valves are commonly used. The water
may be piped to the tub through various pumping or gravity methods
depending on the water source.
Photo couresty of USDA NRCS
When using a pond or stream as a watering source,
consider pumping the water to a holding tank or water tub that
is located within a pasture or livestock yard.
Hydraulic ram pumps use the energy of flowing water
from a stream to lift water to an elevated storage tank or other
discharge point.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS
Nose-operated demand pumps rely
on suction that is created when cattle push a lever with their
nose.
Depending on topography, a storage tank can be
located at a high point on the property allowing for gravity
feed to watering tubs. Automatic float valves for gravity feed
watering systems are available.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS
Fencing and watering systems have come a long way.
The importance of pond and stream buffers and a renewed interest
in management intensive grazing or rotational grazing has created
a demand for innovative and efficient fencing and watering products.
Check with fencing and livestock supply dealers for more informaiton.
For more information on
livestock fencing and watering systems:
The
National Livestock and Poultry Learning Center - Small
Farm Fact sheets - see fact sheets on Livestock
Watering Systems and Electric
Livestock Fencing.
Missouri
NRCS Publications on Electric Fencing & Watering
