Riparian or wet areas as found throughout our state and federal lands are of critical importance to well balanced and productive rangeland ecosystems. Although riparian areas make up only a small portion of most allotments, they often support vegetation critical to the survival of various species of wildlife. Public overuse and/or overgrazing of riparian areas can, over time, eliminate key plants, such as native rosebush, wild currant, willow, or quaking aspen. Conversely public use or under grazing can quickly lead to congested growth of these same plants, which in turn can greatly reduce or destroy wet meadow areas.
For these reasons, it is important that the local, state and federal management agencies, the general, public grazing permit holders and the natural resource management advisory board work closely with one another in managing riparian areas, utilizing consultation, cooperation and coordination as provided under section 8 of the public rangelands improvement act of 1978.
Elko County natural resource management advisory commission is to take an active role in the participation of management practices of riparian habitat and areas. Key partnerships with agencies such as the USGS, U.S. forest service and BLM are required to actively monitor and manage the riparian areas. Memorandums of understandings are to be developed between Elko County and all agencies involved in the best management practices and establishment of riparian areas. (Ord. 01-2009, 6-17-2009, eff. 7-24-2009)