5. Cold Creek (Lower)
Land Manager: BLM, Burley Field Office
Legal Location: T 15S R 22E Sections 19,30 Cassia County
Allotment: #4027 Goose Creek Group
Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Juniper
Impacts: Cumulative livestock impacts at this location had previously altered the physical features of this perennial stream and riparian zone. Two BLM riparian exclosures had protected only tiny segments of habitat Livestock grazing had led to loss of sections of the riparian structure, loss of riparian regeneration, and loss of riparian understory. Accelerated erosion had led to severe down-cutting and lowering of the water table. Trampling had caused channel widening, loss of thermal capabilities, and loss of original channel features in much of the lower stream. Spring zones had been trampled. However, to compound the livestock damage, an escaped BLM controlled burn was allowed to sweep through the drainage in August of 1999. Damage included loss of irreplaceable old-growth cottonwoods, severe loss of uplands and the remaining riparian habitat, severe loss of wildlife species and nesting habitat, severe loss of cryptogamic crusts, accelerated erosion, and areas of soil sterilization. Water quality and fisheries values have been heavily impacted. Sedimentation rates in the stream have been severe during post-fire precipitation events. Post-season livestock trespass occurred after the fire, creating additional impacts to the region.
Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be permanently withdrawn from this location. Significant riparian recovery (dependent on any regenerative capability) and significant upland recovery of shrub species will require more than 10 years.
List of Figures:
1. Cumulative effects from grazing, fire, and post-season trespass.
2. Loss of stream bank and soil to erosion following fire.
3. Silt and debris in channel following fire, east of county road.
4. Seep near creek exhibits impacts from 1999 grazing, trespass.
