The document summarizes efforts over 20 years to protect riparian areas on the Kerr Ranch through fencing. After fencing the areas to exclude livestock in 1998, vegetation has flourished along the stream banks. Trees planted and volunteer trees have become established, stabilizing the soil and enriching the environment. The fenced streams have become deeper and more suitable for aquatic life compared to unfenced areas of the stream.

1. Protecting Riparian Areas on the
Kerr Ranch
1998-present

2. •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.

3. •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.

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

5. •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.

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

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

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

10. •April 2009: Eleven
years after fencing.

12. 2013, summer: 15 years after fencing
Note the telephone pole is dwarfed by trees.

13. •Since fencing,
both planted
and volunteer
trees have
become
abundant,
stabilizing the
stream banks by
holding soil in
place.

15. •Thick grass covers
the stream banks
and protects them
from erosion.

16. •Young trees and
shrubs slow down
water flow and
catch leaves and
twigs, enriching the
soil with organic
matter.

17. •Planted tree
species include
green ash and
hackberry, both
native to the area.
Volunteer species
include willow and
winged elm.

18. Green Ash

19. Hackberry
• Birds eat the berries
• Host plant for many
butterflies
– Tawny Emperor
– Hackberry Emperor
– American Snout
– Question Mark
– Mourning Cloak

20. “Volunteer” native trees
Winged elm Willow

21. •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.

22. •The riparian area
serves as a
protective travel
corridor for deer
and other wildlife,
and is home to
many species of
songbirds and
insects.

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

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

25. Summer view, downstream

26. •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.

27. For more information contact:
David Redhage, project manager
dredhage@kerrcenter.com