CountryBoy19
Grandmaster
Just because you farm you are given a free pass to pollute the creek? Im not saying they cant have cattle, just that the OP may need to make sure they are responsible with runoff, etc. and are being a good, responsible neighbor.
Pollute? What is pollution? Is there a level at which animal dropping in a natural body of water are no longer just a natural part of NATURE and are now pollution?
I completely understand wanting a responsible neighbor and all, but I think the "city folk" are getting a bit carried away here. I doubt there is a body of water in existence in this entire country that is completely free from animal droppings. Animal droppings don't automatically mean pollution and the presence of animals doesn't mean your creek is polluted. Even if the water changes in the creek it doesn't mean it's polluted, it means it's changed.
IGW, I can totally sympathize with you about the situation, but there isn't much that can be done except make a good friend out of the neighbor and express your concerns a little. It's a delicate subject so approach it with "finesse". There are always "city folk" flocking to the countryside where people/families have been making their living for decades in a rural area. They don't take too kindly to those people buying a small plot of land and instantly thinking they have a stake in things. These people have been living a way of life for a while and they don't take kindly to people trying to force things on them. If the land-owner feels threatened or feels like you're being unreasonable he may increase the number of cattle on that property to intentionally change the creek just to spite you.
That being said, don't blow this out of proportion before you even know that there is an issue...