4. Blue Hill Creek (Upper)
Land Manager: BLM; Burley Field Office/State of Idaho
Legal Location: T 16S R 22E Section 20 Cassia C6unty
Allotment: #4027 Goose Creek Group
Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Juniper
Impacts: The cumulative livestock impacts at this location have severely altered the physical features of this perennial stream and riparian zone. Livestock grazing has led to loss of the riparian structure, loss of riparian regeneration, and loss of the riparian understory. Remnant riparian vegetation has been heavily impacted. Accelerated erosion has led to severe down-cutting, head-cutting, and lowering of the water table. The riparian greenline has been extensively replaced by non-riparian species. Trampling has caused channel widening, loss of thermal capabilities, and loss of original channel features. Water quality and fisheries values have been heavily impacted on both BLM and State of Idaho lands above and below the Upper Stock Road Crossing.
Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be withdrawn from this location. Significant riparian recovery (dependent on regenerative capability) and bank stabilization would require a minimum time period of 3-6 years. Willow and other riparian shrubs need to achieve a height of 6 feet or more before exposure to livestock utilization can be tolerated for even short-duration grazing.
List of Figures:
1. Looking east at state land; erosion, loss of riparian structure and understory.
2. Looking west; trampling, erosion, channel widening.
3. Looking northwest; severe down-cutting, loss of water table, loss of riparian greenline.
