Conservation Buffer Strips

Protecting Riparian Areas on the Kerr Ranch

1998-present

•This shot from May 1973 is the earliest photo of the Nurse Cow area. The riparian area has been cleared of timber and seeded to grass. Typical riparian areas in Leflore County are timbered.

•March 1998: Fence is being installed. Power pole in upper right corner of image is used as a

reference point.

• Livestock cross on the upstream side of the low water crossing, causing bare slopes

with little vegetation.

•April 2001: Lower low water crossing, looking upstream, after fencing. Forage growth increases

rapidly in April.

•May 2001: Downstream crossing, looking upstream. Fencing has been in place for two years.

Grasses have established on the slopes of the stream.

•Trees were planted on the banks during the previous two years, but are not yet visible. Grass is

laid over due to a recent high water event.

•March 2002: Four years after fencing. Compared to the 1998 picture, vegetation covers the stream

banks.

•March 2003: Good vegetative cover protects the stream banks.

• July 2003: The trees planted in previous years are finally visible above the surrounding vegetation.

•April 2009: Eleven years after fencing.

2013, summer: 15 years after fencingNote the telephone pole is dwarfed by trees.

•Since fencing, both planted and volunteer

trees have become

abundant, stabilizing the

stream banks by holding soil in

place.

•Thick grass covers the stream banks

and protects them from erosion.

•Young trees and shrubs slow down

water flow and catch leaves and

twigs, enriching the soil with organic

matter.

•Planted tree species include green ash and

hackberry, both native to the area. Volunteer species include willow and

winged elm.

Green Ash

Hackberry

• Birds eat the berries• Host plant for many

butterflies– Tawny Emperor – Hackberry Emperor – American Snout – Question Mark – Mourning Cloak

“Volunteer” native trees

Winged elm Willow

•Since the cattle have been fenced

out, the stream has become narrower and deeper, and

meanders. These changes create a more hospitable environment for

water insects and fish.

•The riparian area serves as a

protective travel corridor for deer

and other wildlife, and is home to many species of songbirds and

insects.

•A single strand of electric fence is enough to keep cattle out of the riparian area.

•Lush grass and tree growth are also evident in the fenced areas looking downstream from the low

water crossing.

Summer view, downstream

•Contrast this unfenced section of the stream with the

fenced riparian area: many fewer

trees, and a broader, shallower

stream, less hospitable to aquatic life.

For more information contact:David Redhage, project managerdredhage@kerrcenter.com