9. Unnamed Springs, East Side Boundary
Land Manager: Sawtooth National Forest
Legal Location: T 12S R 25E Section 33 Cassia County
Forest Division: Albion Mountain
Dominant Plant Community Type: Shrub-Grass/Aspen
Impacts: Livestock utilization has heavily impacted the spring sites and riparian vegetation at this location. Severe trampling has occurred within the hydric zones and along the spring flows. Heavy utilization of the riparian vegetation has occurred, at the springs as well as along the spring outflow. The adjacent aspen groves have also been heavily impacted by utilization. Trampling and utilization within the groves has led to loss of understory and loss of aspen regeneration.
Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be permanently excluded from these springs and the adjacent habitat. Substantial riparian recovery along the small creek flow will take 3-6 years, depending on regenerative capability. Willows and other riparian shrubs need to reach a height of 6 feet or more in order to withstand short duration grazing.
List of Figures:
1. Trampling at main headwaters, vegetation and soil impacts.
2. Impacts to spring channel and riparian vegetation.
