16. Station Fork
Land Manager: Sawtooth National Forest
Legal Location: T 12S R 30E Sections 28, 29 Power County
Forest Division: Sublette
Dominant Plant Community Type: Shrub-Grass/Aspen Conifer
Impacts: Cumulative impacts from livestock utilization have led to severe loss of riparian structure along much of this creek. Although fenced off from adjoining lands, the portion including the old station is not supporting a functional riparian zone. Severe trampling has occurred in hydric soils of the spring outside the fenced area. Riparian regeneration has been severely impacted on both sides of the fence over time. Adjacent shrub community habitat has also been impacted.
Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be withdrawn from this location and drainage until substantial riparian recovery, riparian regeneration, and understory recovery has been achieved. Recovery of riparian shrub species will take 3-6 years or more, depending on regenerative capability. Aspen and riparian shrubs need to achieve a height of 6 feet or more in order to withstand short duration grazing. This area would benefit from mitigation efforts such as the planting of appropriate riparian species along the creek.
List of Figures:
1. Cumulative impacts have led to loss of riparian structure.
2. Utilization impacts to spring site outside of fenced area.
