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JJuullyy 2233,, 22001155
LIVESTOCK EXCLUSION
Background and Issue
Farmers have long promoted good stewardship of the land. With fully one quarter of the Chesapeake watershed in
agriculture, they are on the front line in promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly land use practices.
Restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay is impossible without the cooperative stewardship of our farmers.
While there are many examples of farm stewardship and agricultural practices that benefit the Bay, there are still
some farming practices that deserve more attention. The recent report by the Chesapeake Bay Commission
highlights one of the most significant near term opportunities: keeping livestock out of the streams while
protecting the streamside vegetation that works naturally to limit the nutrient and sediment runoff, provide shade
and stabilize the banks. Known as “livestock exclusion,” this best practice uses fencing and alternative water
sources to draw livestock away from the streams. Particularly, when combined with riparian buffers, these
practices can yield powerful, cost-effective and proven results.
For our farmers, keeping livestock out of the streams has been a long-term challenge. Livestock must have ready
access to drinking water and in practice this means that livestock often drink from, and loiter in, both large and
small tributary waters. When livestock are allowed access, they trample and erode stream bottoms, streambanks
and streamside vegetation as they seek water to cool themselves and drink. This increases sediment erosion and
nutrient runoff, while increasing water temperature. The direct deposit of feces and urine also contributes to
nutrient pollution and high bacteria counts in the waterways.
For example, in the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, there are over 3.5 million hoofed animals —
livestock including dairy and beef cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats. Most of the livestock are grazed on the
more than 2.4 million acres of pasture while some are kept in confined feeding operations. Either way, they are
often located near streams. The net result is significant damage to hundreds of miles of streams and stream banks.
Despite the upland location of many smaller streams, the aggregated impact from livestock on all of these streams
has been documented as a major source of nutrients, sediment and bacteria to the Bay. The Bay states are relying
on riparian practices such as forest buffers, grass buffers and livestock stream exclusion to achieve over 18
percent of the nitrogen, 16 percent of the phosphorus, and 22 percent of the sediment goals for the Bay
TMDL. These practices also have direct benefits to local water quality, while also benefitting farmers and their
livestock through improved herd health.
Livestock exclusion is an important first step to improve stream health. When combined with vegetated,
especially forested, buffers, the greatest benefits are realized. USDA programs such as the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP) of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Conservation
Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), a partnership between states and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) are the
primary source of funding for buffers.
While state programs can improve, there are specific actions that if taken by the United State Department of
Agriculture would increase the attractiveness of exclusion and buffers and better integrate federal and state
actions. Specific recommendations are delineated in the letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack.
Private Meeting Discussion:


Lead for Discussion – Delegate Lingamfelter
Recommended Executive Council Action: By motion, adopt attached letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack and
request that it be signed and sent by Chairman McAuliffe on behalf of the council.
Public Meeting:
Recommended Communication Strategy for action (check all that apply):
___x__ EC Chair Announces Adoption of Letter (asks for comments by Delegate Linghamfelter during
public meeting)
___x__ Action incorporated in the CBP Press Release
___X__ Signed document (See attached letter)