Condition Assessment for the Bitter Creek, Bitter Spring Creek, Deep Creek Spring and Ackland Springs Riparian Systems in Capitol Reef National Park
Wagner J, Martin M, Taliga C. 2016. Condition Assessment for the Bitter Creek, Bitter Spring Creek, Deep Creek Spring and Ackland Springs Riparian Systems in Capitol Reef National Park. National Park Service - Water Resources Division. Fort Collins, CO
The authors used methods described in "A User Guide to Assessing the Proper Functioning Condition and the Supporting Science for Lotic Areas" (U.S. Department of the Interior, 1998, Report TR 1737-15) to perform riparian condition assessments at four sites in Capitol Reef National Park. We found that Bitter Creek and Bitter Spring Creek were in “Functional At-Risk” condition, meaning that these systems provide expected functions and are relatively stable, but excessive sediment inputs pose a risk of degradation or loss of riparian-wetland functions in the future. Deep Creek Spring was in “Non-Functional” condition due to the impacts of non-native tamarisk on the channel/floodplain form and on native vegetation communities. The Ackland Springs riparian zone was also in “Non-Functional” condition. Hartnet Road follows or crosses the channel in several locations at Ackland Springs, causing extensive sedimentation. Animal trailing and use on the channel banks and floodplain also contribute to soil destabilization and sediment loading. The NPS is using these results to inform a Livestock Trailing and Grazing EIS.
- Type
- Technical Assistance Report
- Authors
- Wagner, Joel; Martin, Mike; Taliga, Christine
- Date of Issue
- 2016-06-15
- Publisher
- National Park Service - Water Resources Division
- Units
- CARE , WRD
- Keywords
- Ackland Springs, assessment, Bitter Creek, Bitter Spring Creek, Capitol Reef National Park, condition, Deep Creek Spring, grazing, Hartnet Road, impact, livestock, proper functioning condition, riparian, road, spring, wetland
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Geomorphology | Stream/River Channel Characteristics , Ecological Framework: Water | Hydrology | Groundwater Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Water | Hydrology | Surface Water Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Invasive Species | Invasive/Exotic plants , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Wetland Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Riparian Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Freshwater Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Grassland/Herbaceous Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Shrubland Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Vegetation Complex , Ecological Framework: Human Use | Point-Source Human Effects | Point-Source Human Effects , Ecological Framework: Human Use | Visitor and Recreation Use | Visitor Use , Ecological Framework: Landscapes | Landscape Dynamics | Land Cover and Use