Skunk Creek
1950
2003
Description:
Plate 282X. Skunk Creek 1950 - 2003 Viewed southwest up Skunk Creek on the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Shown is the second, sediment-catchment dam that was built on Skunk Creek in 1949. A series of three small dams has effectively stopped headwall cutting and sediment transport on this stream. The area was also contour-trenched and reseeded by the Forest Service to control erosion and improve range conditions. Planted grasses include smooth brome and intermediate wheatgrass. Spruce and ponderosa pine have increased, while aspen has declined. Several of the smaller trees in the mid-ground were killed when the area was treated by the Forest Service. A new road has been built up Skunk Creek. The low shrubs are mostly shrubby cinquefoil and rubber rabbitbrush. The area had not been grazed by cattle in 2003 when the site was revisited.
Photo Information:
U.S. Forest Service photograph (460982) taken on April 24, 1950; retake by Charles E. Kay on August 7, 2003 - - Photo No. 5225-2. Original photograph held by the Utah Historical Society, Reed W. Bailey Collection (Box 11), Salt Lake City, UT.
Vegetative Community:
Riparian, Dry Meadow, Conifer, Aspen
Location:
South West: Section 24, Range 4½ West, Township 37 South; UTM 387200E, 4159100 N; elevation 8,040 ft.