Casto Canyon
1941
2003
Description:
Plate 125X. Casto Canyon 1941-2003 Viewed southeast across the head of Casto Canyon. Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, pinyon, and juniper have all increased, as this area has not burned in more than 100 years. Curlleaf mountain mahogany in the foreground and on the distant hillside has also increased, while aspen across the canyon has declined. Forest growth now blocks the original camera station, so the retake was made from the nearest open area. The eroded channels seen in the original photo have been gully-plugged by the Forest Service. Note the new jeep road descending from Casto Pass. Sagebrush also appears to have increased, except where it has been excluded by conifers.
Photo Information:
U.S. Geological Survey photograph taken by H.E. Gregory (No. 1059) in 1941; retake by Charles E. Kay on June 22, 2003 - - Photo No. 5164-4. Original photograph held by U.S. Geological Survey Photographic Library, Denver, CO.
Vegetative Community:
Conifer, Pinyon, Juniper, Mountain Brush, Aspen, Sagebrush
Location:
South West: Section 33, Range 4 West, Township 34 South; UTM 391100E, 4185200 N; elevation 8,400 ft.