2. FaIl Creek, Lower
Land Manager: Sawtooth National Forest
Legal Location: T 12S R 29E Section 22 Cassia County
Forest Division: Sublette
Dominant Plant Community Type: Shrub-Grass
Impacts: Cumulative impacts from livestock utilization have altered habitat along this creek. There are sections of older riparian growth that are still withstanding utilization; however impacts have affected riparian regeneration and led to loss of the riparian structure along portions of the creek. Invasive annuals such as Thistle are present along the creek. Utilization has also impacted the adjacent shrub community in areas of livestock concentration. Channel widening and loss of riparian cover affects the fisheries value of this stream.
Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be withdrawn from this location until substantial recovery of riparian regeneration has been achieved. Recovery of young riparian shrubs will require 3-6 years. Willow and other shrubs need to achieve a height of 6 feet or more in order to withstand short duration grazing.
List of Figures:
1. Utilization impacts to channel, loss of riparian species.
