Activity 2.3.1 Ranchers, Anglers, and Beavers

1. Exploratory

 The Bureau of Land Management's purpose is to sustain productivity in streams. They evaluate 248 million acres in the Western U.S. Their efforts are towards streams; that have been affected by droughts, wildfires, and other environmental issues. They turn a stream that got damaged into one that is functional with life in and around it. To make sure their efforts were sustainable, they found two methods that worked tremendously. Grazing management with sections divided for cattle not allowed to graze and conservation-oriented grazing where cattle shift with seasons. When it is hot and cold, they have rotation and resting periods. The second method is having beavers around the streams. Their dams store water which can then provide moisture-producing vegetation. With these methods, vegetation is 10-40% more productive. All this process is studied and noticeable to people and seen through satellite imagery tracking the changes.

 2. Diagnostic

 The reason why we have groups like the BLM is because of nature's unpredictability. Streams become non-functional due to mother nature or human activity. For a stream to become functional again, action needs to take place. Grazing is a reliable method the BLM noticed worked. It helps because the cattle help grow grass or crops. With them having a rotation during climate changes, the heat is not so hurtful to vegetation production. Beavers have a positive impact as well, helping during drought seasons. Their dams store water giving the cattle water even in hot times. With both grazing and beavers, the vegetation flourishes more animals and plants multiply. 

 3. Cause and Effect

 If a stream becomes non-functional, management takes place to restore the stream. Once conservation-oriented grazing takes place, more vegetation grows. If beavers are near the streams, then they start to build dams. With their dams storing water once dry seasons occur, cattle and other wildlife can still have water. If vegetation continues to flourish, more animals and plants become present and grow. Once this pattern continues throughout the years, a once-damaged stream becomes functional with life. 

 4. Priority

 The big issue is that restoring streams takes time and willingness to do this method. Things need to be accomplished fast and conveniently are many people's mindsets. Unfortunately, that is not the case for the restoration of streams. It takes years of hard work and to be flexible in trying something new. The results are well worth it but, convincing others to do the same could be difficult. With this new data of proof it works, there is hope others get on board. 

 5. Application

 This issue applies to me because if we stop caring about streams thriving now, it can become critical in the future. The process of a stream becoming healthy again takes years and years. If we can get a head start on growing vegetation now, future generations won’t have to worry about plants and animals becoming extinct when it was preventable. We can try and make mistakes now, but it might get to the point where we must get it right. Streams are not just for animals but can always benefit a community or others from afar. Not by just the water but the fish and other organisms in it. 

 6. Critical

 The management of streams was something I had no idea about. I learned beavers have a significant and positive impact on streams. Learning a stream having life once more made me on board with how they manage the streams. It made me happy because; the process they restore the streams is by natural methods. The process is long but does leave an incredible impact. In my opinion, it is a wonderful idea with results to prove it. 

 Reference

Restoring Streamside Vegetation Using Grazing And Beavers - Trout Unlimited Fesenmyer, K. (2016).