10. Unnamed Springs, BLM Wet Meadow
Land Manager: BLM, Burley Field Office
Legal Location: T 14S, 15S R 17E sections 6, 32 Twin Falls County
Allotment Location: North of Shoshone Basin
Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Grass
Impacts: This site includes upland sage-steppe habitat, but also includes a wet meadow system with a small spring flow and channel. Utilization levels have been moderate to heavy on the meadows and adjacent uplands. A riparian structure is no longer present at these locations; although the potential exists. Trampling has disrupted the small channel and caused impacts to the hydric soil regions in particular. The lack of riparian cover severely limits the wildlife potential of this site.
Recommendations: It is recommended that this area be temporarily rested from livestock grazing until further recovery of the meadow and spring channel has been achieved. Adjacent upland shrub understory would also benefit from a rest period. This site could also be evaluated as to its potential to support a riparian community if protected from utilization.
List of Figures:
1. Utilization impacts to spring flow and meadow site; lack of riparian tree and shrub species.
