10. Emery Creek, Unnamed Tributary

Land Manager: BLM, Burley Field Office
Legal Location: T 16S R 22E Sections ** Cassia County
Allotment: #4027 Goose Creek Group

Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Juniper

Impacts: Cumulative livestock impacts at this location have altered the physical features of this intermittent stream. Livestock grazing has led to the loss of any potential riparian structure at this location, as well as substantial losses of understory. Upland utilization at this location has been minimal; utilization has been concentrated along the drainage course. Accelerated erosion over time has led to down-cutting, head-cutting, loss of stream flow, and lowering of the water table. The riparian greenline has been extensively replaced by non-riparian species. Utilization has resulted in brush encroachment and loss of channel features.

Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be rested from this location. A BLM fire on the uplands to the west and north and fire impacts to a portion of the adjacent main drainage should initially preclude grazing activities for a time period of two years or more. Significant riparian recovery in the general region (dependent on regenerative capability) would require a minimum time period of 3-6 years.

                    1. Erosion and down-cutting, lack of riparian structure; loss of greenline and understory.

                    2. Lack of current riparian vegetation, trampling, loss of
                        water table, and utilization impacts to channel.