9. Emery Creek (Lower)

Land Manager: BLM, Burley Field Office
Legal Location: T 16S R 22E Sections 7, 8 Cassia County
Allotment: #4027 Goose Creek Group

Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Juniper

Impacts: The cumulative livestock impacts at this location have 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. Upland utilization is minimal, with effects concentrated in the drainage bottom and riparian zone. Adjacent uplands to the north were burned by the BLM in August 1999. A segment of escaped fire burned to the edge of the stream itself in at least one location. Accelerated erosion over time has led to down-cutting and lowering of the water table. The riparian greenline has been extensively replaced by non-riparian species. Utilization has resulted in loss of thermal capabilities and loss of original channel features.

Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be withdrawn from this location. A BLM fire on the uplands to the north and fire impacts to a portion of the drainage itself should initially preclude grazing activities for a time period of two years or more. Significant riparian recovery (dependent on regenerative capability) 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. Erosion and down-cutting; loss of riparian structure, greenline, and water table.