Dominant Plant Community Type: Aspen-Shrub/Conifer

Impacts: Cumulative impacts from livestock utilization have altered the physical features of this location. Utilization has been concentrated along the stream course over time. This has led to severe impacts to the riparian structure, riparian understory, and cryptogamic soil crusts along the creek. Understory removal has been severe under some of the adjacent aspen and conifer groves. Trampling and disturbance of hydric soil regions has occurred in the lower Bennett Springs area and in adjacent wet meadow habitat. Down-cutting, head-cutting, and impacts such as channel widening have occurred. Invasive annuals such as thistle and other species are evident along the drainage course and in adjacent habitat.

Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be withdrawn from this location. Continued use as a recreation site and the need for improved wildlife habitat should preclude livestock utilization from this area.

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