22. Upper Lake Fork Spring
Land Manager: Sawtooth National Forest
Legal Location: T 12S R 29E Section 11 Cassia County
Forest Division: Sublette
Dominant Plant Community Type: Aspen-Shrub/Conifer
Impacts: Cumulative livestock impacts to this spring site have resulted in loss of riparian structure, loss of aspen regeneration, and disruption of the spring flow. Remnant riparian vegetation has been heavily utilized. Trampling in the hydric soil region has resulted in impacts to the spring channel. The lack of riparian cover is limiting to wildlife; particularly birds.
Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be withdrawn from this location until substantial aspen and understory recovery has been achieved and the channel re-established. Recovery of aspen or aspen regeneration requires 3-6 years or more, depending on regenerative capability. Aspen saplings need to achieve a height of 6 feet or more in order to withstand short duration grazing impacts.
List of Figures:
1. Utilization impacts; loss of riparian species, understory, and aspen regeneration.
