Oregon ranchers fund study of river systems and land management

Grazing at Klamath Marsh (Credit: Sam Beebe, via Flickr)

The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association is funding a study that aims to shed light on various issues affecting river systems in the eastern part of the state, The Dalles Chronicle reported.

Researchers from Oregon State University will conduct the five- to 10-year study, which will examine the effects of vegetation and land-management practices on water temperature, flow volume and usage. Ranchers often plant trees along river embankments to cool the water, but the results have proven variable.

The study will cost between $40,000 and $60,000 each year. The association’s Oregon Beef Council has paid for the first year, but will turn to fundraising efforts for subsequent years.

Image: Grazing at Klamath Marsh (Credit: Sam Beebe, via Flickr)