The purpose of this report, sponsored by Idaho Watersheds Project, has been to survey and document existing conditions of riparian habitat in southeastern Idaho. This report documents conditions of seeps, springs, and riparian zones in Cassia, Oneida, Power, and Twin Falls Counties. See Figure ES-1. These riparian habitats and their associated uplands are located on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the Sawtooth National Forest, and the State of Idaho and are currently utilized for livestock grazing.

Data was gathered in the field regarding the conditions of riparian habitats in Cassia, Oneida, Power, and Twin Falls Counties, Idaho following the 1999 grazing season. Due to limited publication space, 126 representative sites from the eight geographical areas surveyed were selected for this report. These specific sites were chosen in order to represent a variety of topography, plant community, climate, and riparian habitat types across a broad geographical area.

Extensive background research was performed in relation to the features and natural values of these regions. Background data is presented in the chapter reports for each of the geographical regions. The representative riparian sites in this report were visited, evaluated, and photographically documented. A record of active mammal and bird species observed at each site is included in the appendix section for use by the interested public or by agency land managers.

The first chapter is a brief review of riparian values and functions. Potential threats to riparian habitats are discussed within the context of both Idaho and the western range in general. The differences between riparian and upland management needs are discussed, as well as current Idaho riparian standards and guidelines.

Chapters 2 through 9 are devoted to specific locations within Cassia, Oneida, Power, and Twin Falls Counties. Bureau of Land Management, Sawtooth National Forest, and Idaho State Lands were divided into the geographical regions/chapters as follows:

2. Albion Mountain Division and Adjacent Public Lands

3. Black Pine Division and Adjacent Public Lands

4. Cassia Division and Adjacent Public Lands

5. Cotterel Mountains

6. Jim Sage Mountains

7. Middle Mountains

8. Shoshone Basin

9. Sublette Division and Adjacent Public Lands

Each chapter includes a basic background and a map of the immediate vicinity. Survey data is then presented as individual site summaries that contain a brief description, impact evaluation, and recommended actions. Recommendations are based on current (year 2000) USDA Forest Service Intermountain Region and Rocky Mountain Research Station recommendations for riparian recovery times. The recommendations also reflect the mission of Idaho Watersheds Project:

This report documents existing conditions of our riparian habitat, and is simply a presentation of fact. No amount of excuses, blame, or denial can change the past nor the existence of the current degraded conditions found and documented by this study, conducted on over 2 million acres of southeastern Idaho's public lands. However, an awareness and acknowledgment of the present conditions and a willingness to work for change in the future can accomplish significant recovery.

The watersheds and riparian zones of southeastern Idaho desperately need the attention of the interested public, dedicated land managers, and our public administrators. A refusal to accept facts regarding current riparian conditions will continue to be an effective roadblock to recovery and implies support for the activities that have led to the degradation of watershed and riparian values on Idaho's public lands. It is deeply hoped that this report will provide the impetus for needed changes in the management of Idaho's watersheds.