7. Unnamed Spring, BLM
Land Manager: BLM, Burley Field Office
Legal Location: T 15S R 17E Section 33 Twin Falls County
Allotment Location: Shoshone Basin
Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Grass
Impacts: Spring water is used to fill a small reservoir at this location. Trampling and utilization has caused vegetation removal and impacts to the soil around the reservoir itself. The accompanying wet meadows are currently dry; soil compaction is very evident. Other major impacts at this site are found in the severe utilization of the adjacent and surrounding upland habitat. Understory removal and shrub impacts have been severe. Antelope inhabit this general region as well as Sage Grouse. The lack of shrub development and understory removal is very limiting to wildlife, especially for birds. Lack of cover reduces insects, an important food source for Sage Grouse. A high percentage of the grass cover in this region is crested wheat grass, which is often poorly utilized by livestock but of little value to the grouse. The lack of forbs and wet meadow conditions can seriously impact Sage Grouse reproduction.
Recommendations: It is recommended that this area be rested until significant understory and shrub recovery have been achieved. Utilization has been far beyond that recommended for Sage Grouse habitat.
List of Figures:
1. Utilization impacts to reservoir and immediate vegetation.
2. Severe impacts to surrounding uplands, Sage Grouse habitat.
