8. Moonshine 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: Livestock utilization has impacted aspen regeneration in this canyon and spring area. The original spring source has been dewatered by development; water for wildlife is now available in a tiny spring box within a pole exclosure. Little riparian structure remains in the drainage bottom. Past utilization had removed shrub cover from the box location. A water source without hiding cover is of limited value to wildlife.
Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be rested from the adjacent habitat until substantial shrub cover and aspen regeneration has been achieved. Aspen saplings and other riparian shrubs need to reach a height of 6 feet or more in order to withstand short duration grazing impacts. Hiding cover such as branches could be placed near this water source for the benefit of birds and small mammals. Ideally, the water source would be increased for wildlife and the exclosure expanded to protect more habitat and allow for improved wildlife access.
List of Figures:
1. Small spring box remaining for wildlife; loss of cover and riparian regeneration.
