KRIS Shasta River Tour

General Introduction

KRIS Shasta River Tour

Restoration: Fencing Riparian Areas

Grazing livestock have injured or destroyed trees and bushes along the river's edge, causing water temperatures to rise from the lack of shade. Banks also become unstable, and easily erode into the river. This results in lost agricultural land and increased sedimentation in the river channel.

Fencing to reduce grazing in riparian zones has restored some areas. When cattle access is reduced, the trees have a chance to get re-established. Often young trees are planted at the time of fencing.

Above: The newly fenced area. Below: The rejuvenated riparian zone.

Since 1990, about eight miles of the Shasta River have been fenced through cooperative efforts of the local Resource Conservation District and land owners, with funding provide by the Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Stock water access points have also been developed on the Shasta River. They allow cattle to get water from the river, but not to roam freely along the river's edge. The access is rocked so the cattle don't get stuck in the mud.

Shasta River Guided Tour Contents
Restoration Topics: Introduction Fencing Riparian Areas Replanting Trees in the Riparian Zone Water Use	Other Topics: Guided Tour Information Water Quality Geology Hydrology Economy Fisheries

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