7. Cold Creek (Upper)
Land Manager: BLM, Burley Field Office
Legal Location: T 15S R 22E Sections 21, 22, 23 Cassia County
Allotment: #4027 Goose Creek Group
Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Grass/Juniper
Impacts: The impacted area addressed by this summary includes the main and side channels upstream from the Upper Stock Road Crossing. It does not include the headwater springs. Late seral riparian growth exists along portions of the stream channels. Upper reaches also include limited aspen groves. Utilization levels over the years have been heavy to severe, depending on the individual riparian or spring location. Trampling and vegetation removal has been ongoing, with complete loss of the riparian structure at multiple locations. Loss of regeneration for mature aspen, willow, alder, and other species has been heavy to severe. Stream banks have been trampled and eroded. The channels have experienced down-cutting, widening and loss of thermal capabilities. Impacts to sage- steppe habitat adjacent to the streams (floodplain) have also been substantial. Upland utilization is varied; the impacts have been concentrated in or immediately adjacent to the riparian zone. Upper portions of the stream channels and springs, such as Slide Spring, are being impacted by private surface mining and construction activities. As a result, existing public portions are becoming even more critical to area wildlife.
Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be withdrawn from these Upper Cold Creek locations until substantial recovery and regenerative potential has been achieved. Significant riparian recovery (dependent on regenerative capability) and bank stabilization would require a minimum time period of 3-6 years. Willow and other riparian shrub replacements 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. Utilization, trampling of the stream bank and channel.
2. Trampling, erosion, widening; severe utilization impacts.
