WWRC 92-02 : Appendices 16-20 : Determining Methods to Evaluate Relations Between Livestock and Wildlife Grazing and Water Quality

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Appendix XVI

BLACKTAIL DEER CREEK, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, PARK COUNTY

Location and Accessibility
Blacktail Deer Creek is located in north-central Yellowstone National Park, approximately 6 miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs (T 57N, R 113W, S 7,18). Three miles of Blacktail Deer Creek is included in the potential study area south of the Grand Loop Road. There is access by vehicle to the northern part of the site and good access by foot to the southern end of the site.

Land Administrator
The National Park Service manages the natural resources of Yellowstone National Park to maintain, rehabilitate, and perpetuate their (natural resources) inherent integrity. Ecological processes should be permitted to proceed as they did under pristine conditions and modern man must be restricted to generally non-consumptive uses of these areas.

Seasonal and Diurnal Use by Wild Ungulates
The Northern Range, which includes Blacktail Deer Creek, is approximately 247,000 acres in size and has provided critical winter range for elk, mule deer, bison, bighorn sheep, antelope and moose since before the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872. Douglas (1983) estimated that approximately 12,000 elk utilize the Northern Range during winter months, 83% of which winter inside the Park boundary. It has also been estimated that 2,000 deer, 500 bighorn sheep, 260 bison, 200 moose, and 150 antelope winter on the Northern range. Animals disperse and migrate to higher elevations during late spring and summer.

Livestock Grazing History
Livestock grazing has been excluded from the Northern Range since 1952. Specifically, Blacktail Deer Plateau has not had livestock grazing since 1942. From 1935 to 1942, 25-30 semi-domesticated bison summered on a small pasture near Antelope Creek. From the late 1870s to 1930s, several hundred horses and cattle periodically grazed throughout Blacktail Deer Plateau.

Wetland Classification
According to the classification system used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Blacktail Deer Creek is classified as; SYSTEM Riverine, SUBSYSTEM Upper Perennial.

Description of Site
The elevation of the potential study site is approximately 6,800 feet. Blacktail Deer Creek is a small perennial stream that starts above Blacktail Deer Plateau and flows northward into the Yellowstone River. Vegetation associated with the riparian zone includes grass, sedges, willow, and cottonwood. Upland vegetation is primarily a sagebrush steppe with interspersions of conifers occurring in small stands at lower elevations and more continuous at higher elevations.

Rangeland Improvements
There have been no rangeland improvements or treatments on the Northern Range including Blacktail Deer Creek.

Observed Impacts
Streambank sloughing occurs at some points along Blacktail Deer Creek where streamside vegetation,is absent possibly due to years of intense grazing by wildlife. Shrubs have been browsed heavily along the creek and adjacent uplands. Some elk and deer feces were observed along the stream and upland sites.

Potential as Field Study Site
Blacktail Deer Creek has good potential as a field study site. Impacts by wildlife, mainly elk, seem quite significant.

Potential as Experimental Site
Blacktail Deer Creek holds little potential as an experimental site because moderate to large numbers of ungulates have utilized the area and may have caused changes in vegetative composition and stream quality.

Administrative Contact

Chief of Research
National Park Service
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190

(307) 344-7381

Appendix XVII

ELK FORK RIVER, SHOSHONE NATIONAL FOREST, PARK COUNTY

Location and Accessibility
The potential study area on the Elk Fork River is located 27 miles west of Cody, Wyoming on the south side of highway 20 (T 52N, R 106W, S 31,32; T 51N, R 106W, S 6,7). The last 5 miles of the river above highway 20 is considered crucial elk winter range. The potential study area is accessible by foot or horse.

Land Administrator
The U.S. Forest Service manages the Elk Fork drainage and surrounding area for wildlife and non-motorized recreational use. The upper portion of the Elk Fork River is located in designated wilderness area.

Seasonal and Diurnal Use by Wild Ungulates
During severe winters, as many as 800 elk will utilize the lower portion of the Elk Fork River. During mild winter, elk will utilize a larger portion of the drainage and not concentrate on the lower portion of the river as much. Elk will utilize the upper portion of the river in the wilderness area from late spring until late fall. Moose and mule deer utilize the potential study area from early spring until late fall.

Livestock Grazing History
The entire Elk Fork River watershed has not had authorized cattle or sheep grazing since the early 1940's. There is some recreational horse use from hunters and outfitters.

Wetland Classification
According to the classification system used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Elk Fork River is classified as; SYSTEM Riverine, SUBSYSTEM Upper Perennial.

Description of Site
The elevation of the potential study site is approximately 6,500 feet. Riparian vegetation includes grass, sedges, willow, aspen, cottonwood, spruce, and fir. Upland vegetation consists of grass, sagebrush, juniper, spruce, ana fir. The Elk Fork River flows through a relatively straight and narrow canyon with steep semi-open slopes adjacent to the river. Vegetative cover on upland slopes is low with thin and loose volcanic soils being exposed. Approximately 2 miles up the river are remnants of 3 experimental exclosures. The U.S. Forest Service erected these exclosures in 1941 to assess impacts from winter elk use and to rest a heavily utilized hillside. The Elk Fork River is a relatively large river that has periodic spring flooding which may be causing downcutting and channel scouring.

Rangeland Improvements
Trenching and some grass planting was done on a heavily utilized hillside inside the largest exclosure during the late 1940's.

Observed Impacts
U.S. Forest Personnel said that there was a noticeable difference in vegetative biomass and composition inside and outside the exclosures during the early 1980's. Today, there is a minimal difference in vegetative biomass and composition inside and outside 2 exclosures which have either been taken down or not maintained for several years. There are several game trails crossing open slopes and ridges. Streambanks are rocky, bare, and unstable and could be easily eroded during flooding events. Elk feces was observed on open slopes and ridges. Some moose and deer feces were observed along the river and on upland sites.

Potential as Field Study Site
The Elk Fork River holds little potential as a field study site because of potential water quality problems that may exist which may be mostly attributable to loose volcanic soils and spring flooding events. Impacts from wild ungulate use may be difficult to differentiate from impacts due existing soil types and flooding.

Potential as Experimental Site
The Elk Fork River holds little potential as an experimental site for the same reasons as mentioned above.

Administrative Contact

Barry Davis
Forest Supervisor
U.S. Forest Service
P.O. Box 2140
Cody, Wyoming 82414

(307) 527-6241

Appendix XVIII

LAMAR RIVER, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, PARK COUNTY

Location and Accessibility
The potential study area on the Lamar River is located 12 miles east of Tower Falls Junction, south of the Northeast Entrance Road (T 57N, R 111W, S 22,23,25,26,36). The potential study area, known as the Lamar Valley, is located on the upper portion of the Northern Range which provides crucial winter range for elk, mule deer, bison, moose bighorn sheep, and antelope. The site is accessible by vehicle from late spring until late fall.

Seasonal and Diurnal Use by Wild Ungulates
The Northern Range, which includes a large portion of the Lamar River, is approximately 247,000 acres in size and has provided critical winter range for elk, mule deer, bison, bighorn sheep, antelope, and moose since before the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872. It has been estimated that approximately 12,000 elk utilize the Northern Range during winter months. As many as 5,000-6,000 elk may be using the upper portion of the Northern Range which includes the Lamar Valley. There have been estimations of 2,000 mule deer, 500 bighorn sheep, 260 bison, 200 moose, and 150 antelope that also winter on the Northern Range.

Livestock Grazing History
The Lamar Valley has not had domesticated livestock grazing since 1951. From 1940 to 1951, a small number of horses were raised on Rose Creek. During the late 1800's a small number of cattle and horses grazed throughout the Lamar Valley.

Wetland Classification
According to the classification system used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Lamar River is classified as; SYSTEM Riverine, SUBSYSTEM Upper Perennial.

Description of Site
The elevation of the potential study site is approximately 6,600 feet. The Lamar Valley is very wide (up to 1,000 yards) and is composed primarily of grass and some cottonwood trees. Sedges and willow are limited along the river, possibly due to natural channel erosion. Upland vegetation consists of grass, sagebrush, spruce, fir, lodgepole pine, and some willow.

Rangeland Improvements
There have been no rangeland improvements or treatments on the potential study area in the Lamar Valley.

Observed Impacts
The Lamar River has been identified as a major contributor of suspended sediment in the upper Yellowstone River Basin. In response to a local concern that Yellowstone Park's Northern Range is over-grazed, monitoring of suspended sediment in the upper Yellowstone River Basin began 1985. Results indicate that 90% of suspended sediment is transported during snowmelt runoff. Major sources of sediment are: erosion in high elevation volcanic rocks; loosely consolidated glacial moraine in steep cirque basin; landslides and scarps in soft cretaceous shale and mudstones; and large scale channel erosion of various sediments. The Lamar River is a large river that has some channel movement which may be contributing to stream sediment loading. Wild ungulate feces were rarely observed along the river.

Potential as Field Study Site
The Lamar River, in this portion of the Northern Range, holds little potential as an experimental site because of existing water quality problems related to suspended sediment. Recent studies by Park officials have not identified wild ungulate grazing as a major contributor of sediment to streams and lakes in the upper Yellowstone River Basin.

Potential as Experimental Site
The Lamar River holds little potential as an experimental site for the same reasons as mentioned above.

Administrative Contact

Chief of Research
National Park Service
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190

(307) 344-7381

Appendix XIX

SLOUGH CREEK, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, PARK COUNTY

Location and Accessibility
The potential study area on Slough Creek is located approximately 8 miles east of Tower Falls Junction, north of the Northeast Entrance Road (R 111W, T 57N, S 7,8,18; R 112W, T 57N, S 13). Approximately 6 miles of Slough Creek are located in the upper portion of the Northern Range which provides crucial winter range for elk, mule deer, bison, moose, bighorn sheep, and antelope. The site is accessible by vehicle from late spring until late fall.

Seasonal and Diurnal Use by Wild Ungulates
The Northern Range, which includes a portion of Slough Creek, is approximately 247,000 acres in size and has provided crucial winter range for elk, mule deer, bison, bighorn sheep, antelope and moose since before the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872. It has been estimated that approximately 12,000 elk utilize the Northern Range during winter months. As many as 5,000-6,000 elk may be utilizing the upper portion of the Northern Range which includes Slough Creek. It has also been estimated that 2,000 mule deer, 500 bighorn sheep, 260 bison, 200 moose, and 150 antelope winter on the Northern Range.

Livestock Grazing History
Slough Creek has not had authorized livestock grazing since 19201937 when a small number of horses were utilizing the area. During the late 1800's a small number of cattle and horses grazed throughout the Lamar Valley which includes the potential study area on Slough Creek.

Wetland Classification
According to the classification system used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Slough Creek is classified as; SYSTEM Riverine, SUBSYSTEM Upper Perennial.

Description of Site
The elevation of the potential study site is approximately 6,250 feet. Riparian vegetation consists of grass, sedges, willow, aspen, and cottonwood. Upland vegetation includes grass, sagebrush, aspen, spruce, fir, lodgepole pine, and some willow. Slough Creek is located at the lower portion of the Lamar Valley which a relatively flat and wide (up to 1,000 yards) valley.

Rangeland Improvements
There have been no rangeland improvements or treatments in the Lamar Valley which includes Slough Creek.

Observed Impacts
Slough Creek has been identified as a major contributor of suspended sediment in the upper Yellowstone River Basin. In response to a local concern that Yellowstone Park's Northern Range is over-grazed, monitoring of suspended sediment in the upper Yellowstone River Basin began in 1985. Results indicate that 90% of suspended sediment is transported during snowmelt runoff. Major sources of sediment are: erosion in high elevation volcanic rocks; loosely consolidated glacial moraine in steep cirque basins; landslides and scarps in soft cretaceous shale and mudstones; and large scale channel erosion of various sediments. Game trails were observed throughout the riparian zone and along the stream. Willows have been heavily browsed throughout the riparian zone. Elk and bison feces were observed along the stream and on upland sites.

Potential as Field Study Site
Slough Creek holds little potential as a field study site because of existing water quality problems related to suspended sediment. Recent studies by Park officials have not included wild ungulate grazing as a major contributor of sediment to streams and lakes in the upper Yellowstone River Basin.

Potential as Experimental Site
Slough Creek holds little potential as an experimental site for the same reasons mentioned above.

Administrative Contact

Chief of Research
National Park Service
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190

(307) 344-7381

Appendix XX

SUNLIGHT CREEK, SUNLIGHT BASIN WILDLIFE HABITAT UNIT
PARK COUNTY

Location and Accessibility
The potential study area is located on Sunlight Basin Wildlife Habitat Unit which is approximately 35 miles northwest of Cody, Wyoming and 5 miles west of Highway 296 (T 56N, R 106W, S 13,14; T 56N, R 105W, S 7,17,18,19,). Approximately 1 mile of Sunlight Creek is located on the 1,200 acre unit. The site is accessible by four-wheel drive year-round.

Land Administrator
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages Sunlight Basin Wildlife Habitat Unit for big game use and access for public fishing.

Seasonal and Diurnal Use by Wild Ungulates
Approximately 1,000 elk utilize the unit from late fall until early summer. Some moose utilize the unit year-round and some mule deer are found on the unit from late spring until late fall.

Livestock Grazing History
There has been no authorized livestock grazing on the unit since it was purchased by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in 1961. There is some occasional trespass cattle use and horse use on the unit. Cattle grazing is permitted on Forest Service land above the unit and private land surrounding the unit.

Wetland Classification
According to the classification system used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sunlight Creek is classified as; SYSTEM Riverine, SUBSYSTEM Upper Perennial.

Description of Site
The elevation of the potential study site is approximately 6,700 feet. Riparian vegetation includes grass, sedges, willow, aspen, cottonwood, spruce, and fir. Upland vegetation includes grass, sagebrush, spruce, fir, and lodgepole pine. Much of the area inside and outside the unit burned during the wildfires of 1988. Vegetative cover on upland slopes is low, with loose and thin volcanic soils being exposed. Two intermittent streams, Trail Creek and Painter Creek, flow into Sunlight Creek on the unit.

Rangeland Improvements
Approximately 880 acres, which consisted of mainly sagebrush on upland slopes, were burned in 1978. There are 200 acres of irrigated grass meadow adjacent to Sunlight Creek. Approximately 20 acres of decadent willows along Sunlight Creek were sheared to increase willow regeneration.

Observed Impacts
There is evidence of severe flooding and high spring runoff on Trail Creek and Painter Creek. streambanks are unstable and are easily eroded. Snow melting on upland slopes could erode thin and loose volcanic soils which might be contributing sediment to Sunlight Creek. There has been moderate utilization of cottonwood and willow along Sunlight Creek. Streambanks along Sunlight Creek are well vegetated and stable. Elk feces were observed along the stream and on upland hillsides and ridges. Some moose and deer feces were observed along the stream.

Potential as Field Study Site
Sunlight Creek holds little potential as a field study site because of potential water quality problems that be attributable to loose and thin volcanic soils and high spring runoff. It may be difficult to differentiate impacts from wild ungulate grazing from impacts caused by natural processes.

Potential as Experimental Site
Sunlight Creek holds little potential as an experimental site for the same reasons as mentioned above.

Administrative Contact

Lloyd Harrison
Habitat Management Coordinator
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
P.O. Box 845
Lovell, Wyoming 82431

(307) 548-7004

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