5. Rock Cabin Spring, Unnamed Springs to South
Land Manager: BLM, Burley Field Office
Legal Location: T 16S R 16E Section 16 Twin Falls County
Allotment Location: Shoshone Basin
Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Grass/Wet Meadow
Impacts: The original spring sites have been protected by exclosures of varying acreage. Although the spring sites to the south have been heavily utilized in the past, they appear to be enclosed for protection or control of use. Although enclosing minimal upland habitat, the exclosure at Rock Cabin Spring is intact and the area has recovered to form a small, but excellent wildlife site. Riparian growth is recovering, as well as the enclosed sagebrush and other vegetation. The Rock Cabin Spring zone of emergence is protected. Cattle were present outside the exclosure, and are watering at a trough to the east. Although cumulative and current impacts to the upland habitat and lower wet meadow are visible, the actual spring site itself is currently in a commendable condition.
Recommendations: It is recommended that this site continue to be protected from livestock utilization. Consideration should be given to increasing the amount of upland habitat included with the protected site for the additional benefit of larger wildlife species.
List of Figures:
1. Spring site protected from livestock utilization.
