2. Deep Creek (North Fork Junction)

Land Manager: BLM, Burley Field Office
Legal Location: T 14S R 17E Section 29 Twin Falls County
Allotment Location: North of Shoshone Basin

Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Grass/Shrub-Grass

Impacts: The cumulative livestock impacts at this location have led to erosion and loss of the water table. Down-cutting and head-cutting are both occurring along this drainage. The channel has been widened with the accompanying loss of thermal capabilities. Livestock grazing has led to severe loss of the riparian structure and regenerative capability. Utilization has also heavily impacted the adjacent shrubs and resulted in loss of understory. Cumulative impacts have already been compounded by 2000 grazing season use. Other portions of this drainage to the south have been utilized at varying levels, with one section (separated from this location by a fence) showing signs of having achieved some riparian recovery. However, it has since been utilized (1999 and 2000) and impacts are readily visible.

Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be withdrawn from this location. The shrubs, shrub understory, and riparian community cannot achieve substantial levels of recovery without withdrawal. Riparian recovery and regeneration will require a minimum of 3-6 years. At this level of loss, it will probably require more than 6 years for substantial recovery and channel stabilization. (Other sections of the drainage will be able to recover more rapidly, as some riparian structure and regenerative capability are still present.)

                    1. Severe utilization impacts and resultant erosion; loss of channel and thermal capabilities.