2. Formation Springs

Land Manager: Sawtooth National Forest
Legal Location: T 16S R 29E Section 6 Cassia County
Forest Division: Black Pine

Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Juniper/Shrub-Juniper

Impacts: Formation Canyon is currently hosting some excellent bird habitat. Although lacking in water sources (the original springs have been de-watered), some water is still available at troughs, a spring box, and an overflow pipe. Due to loss of the original surface flow, riparian vegetation in the drainage bottom has not been as attractive to livestock in recent years. Although still showing signs of utilization, the tree and shrub species have undergone some recovery in much of the canyon area. Steep canyon sides tend to limit livestock utilization as well. Current impacts are centered mainly at the artificial water points, as shown in Figure 1. The area is currently hosting a reasonable understory with the exception of the water point locations. This is reflected in the greater bird diversity and presence than degraded sites in similar habitat.

Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be monitored carefully in this location to ensure that recovering plant community values are maintained. Significant riparian recovery (based on regenerative capability) requires a minimum time period of 3-6 years. Willow and other riparian species need to achieve a height of 6 feet or more in order to withstand short duration grazing. Most of the recovering larger species in this location are approaching this height, with the exception of shorter Wild Rose and similar riparian shrubs.

                    1. Trampling and vegetation impacts at piped spring outlet.

                    2. Lack of riparian structure; artificial flow into de-watered original channel.