Their Story
A Creek in the Goose Lake Drainage
An access road going west with a view of Goose Lake on the horizon. After spending a couple of days back in the Goose Lake drainage here, it was clear to me the cattle-guard wasn't working.
The sign above outlines several habitat improvements which were clear and present along this creek some 20 years later.My impression of this fishery--it's certainly home to healthy, native redbands. But, as you'll see in the pictures below, the foot-print from livestock is plainly visible all along the beaten down areas of the creek. The resulting lost plants and grasses, as well as, trampled banks along the creek are likely to reverse much of the improvements.
This picture illustrates the pooling effect resulting from the placement of boulders and a log across the creek. The log also traps sediment behind it, producing clearer and more bug and fish friendly habitat.
A topped and dying tree looks imposing against the evening sky. I detected either a hawk or an owl roosting in the top, but couldn't get a close enough look to confirm.
The normally forest green of my Coleman stove is white with frost this morning.
The creek supports a variety of plants. With cattle roaming up and down the creek, I fear it won't be standing for long.
Who invited these guys? They're not that bright and chances are they missed all the points outlined in the Fish Habitat Improvement sign just downstream.
You'll find pile, after pile, of cowshit all along the creek here. After dining on all the grasses along the creek, they top it off with this.
Shoring up a creek bank from further erosion by placing large boulders and tree branches tight to the bend.
