Lower Niotche Creek

1923

2001

Description:

Plate 352. LOWER NIOTCHE CREEK 1923-2001 Plates 350 to 352 form a panorama over lower Niotche Creek. All three photographs were originally taken from one camera station but tall, dense vegetation now blocks those views, so the retakes were made from the nearest open areas. Moreover, Plate 350 had to be retaken from a slightly different camera station than Plates 351 and 352, again because the vegetation around the photopoint was so thick. Plate 352 is viewed east across the lower portion of Niotche Creek. Also shown is Meadow Creek and Mud Lake. Pinyon-juniper and other conifers have increased dramatically. Pinyon-juniper is in the process of replacing mountain brush species, such as oak brush, maple, serviceberry, and mountain mahogany, while white fir is beginning to invade both mountain brush and pinyon-juniper stands. The vegetation around the original photopoint is now so thick that foot access is difficult. Note the improved roads, including Interstate 70 up Meadow Creek. Willows above the ranch access road appear unchanged. Pinyon-juniper to the north (left) of Mud Lake has recently been chained.

Photo Information:

Original photo taken in 1923; retake by Charles E. Kay on August 30, 2001 - - Photo No. 4889-22; . Original photo (Spieker 87c) held by U.S. Geological Survey Photographic Library, Denver, CO.

Vegetative Community:

Pinyon, Juniper, Conifer, Mountain Brush, Oakbrush

Location:

South Central: Section 33, Range 3 E, Township 22 S; UTM 449200 E, 4301100 N; elevation 7,700 ft

January 2018