Activity 2.3.1 - Ranchers, Anglers, and Beavers

 1. Exploratory                                

Probe basic facts and knowledge found in the reading and video. (What research evidence supports _________? Type up several facts and basic knowledge from the reading and video. Relate this to what you find in other resources, prior activities for stronger scores.))

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has a goal of upgrading non-functioning streams to proper functioning ones (Fesenmyer 2016). Cattle grazing poses a potential threat to the stream ecosystems they take from. Over-grazing causes native grasses and other vegetation to die back. This in turn negatively effects water retention in the area and local wildlife populations, as well as future grazing in the area (Fesenmyer 2016). Unsustainable grazing practices can greatly contribute to a stream ecosystem’s designation as non-functioning by BLM. To avoid this, conservation-oriented grazing practices may be implemented. When conservation-oriented grazing practices are put into place, the beaver population can flourish, allowing other aspects of the ecosystem to thrive as well. Beavers will construct dams which can help re-wet floodplains, keep water from running off, and provide moisture year-round for vegetation (Fesenmyer 2016). Other benefits include browse for deer, healthy populations of native fish, and increased resilience of the ecosystem after disturbances (Fesenmyer 2016).

 

2. Diagnostic                                   

Probe motives or causes.  (Why? (Tell your reader why this occurs. Explain the causes in detail.))

By having cattle graze too often in the same area, vegetation does not have the chance to grow back and flourish. Without vegetation, a chain reaction goes into effect and the entire ecosystem is harmed.

 

3. Cause and Effect                        

Causal relationships between ideas, actions, or events. (If __________ occurs, what happens?)

If over grazing occurs, vegetation will not have the opportunity to grow back (Fesenmyer 2016). Without enough vegetation, the soil may not retain water as well. This can cause floodplains to dry up. Without sufficient moisture, other vegetation will begin to die back. Because this vegetation may serve as a food source, shelter, or weather buffers, wildlife populations will diminish. Without a functioning ecosystem, cattle grazing cannot be sustainable (Fesenmyer 2016). When conservation-oriented grazing practices are implemented, vegetation and wildlife is allowed to come back and flourish. This includes beaver. Beavers build dams which help retain water in some areas and create barriers for others. The water retention allows moisture for vegetation year-round. This will help trees grow back which provide shade to keep the water cool for trout (Fesenmyer 2016). The dams also help create meadows.

 

4. Priority                                        

Seek to identify the most important issue. (What is the most important issue?)

Because conservation-oriented grazing practices are considered a pre-cursor to increased beaver populations (Fesenmyer 2016), the most pressing issue is that of unsustainable grazing practices.

 

5. Application                                 

Probe for relationships and connect theory to practice. (How does this apply to you? How is this related to culture as we have studied so far?)

Some aspects of this issue can relate back to the hydrosphere as well as the food chain and food web. Without vegetation, primary consumers will diminish in population, causing a chain reaction up to the top. The most recent assignment we had was on environmental policy. Perhaps policies and regulations requiring sustainable agricultural practices are needed to help the ecosystem thrive as well as ensure a good future for food production.

 

6. Critical                                         

Analyze how this challenges your thinking/assumptions. (How did this change your thinking? Did it? Why?)

I had prior knowledge of the importance of sustainable farming and ranching practices. In the video, someone said that there was a disconnect between the average American and the average American that grows their own food. I had never thought about how someone who may not be experienced with or have knowledge of where their food comes from may not be as concerned with sustainable agriculture. I think it is important to communicate these messages and educate others in the importance of sustainability and that an emphasis on how things may affect them is necessary to get people to care. To make a difference, people need to work together towards a common goal with patience and flexibility (Fesenmyer 2016), and I believe the best way to make that happen is to educate others and get them to care.

 

 

References

Fesenmyer, K. (2016). Restoring streamside vegetation using grazing and beavers. Trout Unlimited. https://www.tu.org/magazine/science/restoring-streamside-vegetation-using-grazing-and-beavers/