10. Unnamed Springs, Elba Pass
Land Manager: Sawtooth National Forest (Other maps indicate Sate of Idaho)
Legal Location: T 13S R 23E Section 36 Cassia County
Forest Division: Albion Mountain
Dominant Plant Community Type: Shrub-Grass/Juniper
Impacts: Livestock utilization has heavily impacted these spring sites and spring flows. Water developments are within spring zones and next to creek flows. Severe trampling has occurred within hydric zones. Heavy utilization of riparian vegetation has occurred at spring sites, as well as heavy impacts to adjacent upland areas. Cumulative impacts along the small flows and creeks have been severe enough to lead to removal of all but remnant riparian species and loss of the riparian greenline. Older riparian growth at the uppermost spring is still present, but has been heavily impacted. Understory removal among the older riparian growth has been heavy to severe.
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 or more, 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. Water developments should be moved away from the springs and creek flow.
List of Figures:
1. Trampling at main Myers Mine (Gray Copper) spring site.
2. Severe impacts; trampling and erosion of spring channel.
3. Severe impacts; upper spring (east of Fairchild Creek).
4. Trampling, erosion, loss of channel; spring flow east of Fairchild Creek.
