1925
1999
Side by side comparison
Map
Data Sheet
LOWER MILL CREEK
General Description: This photopoint is in Grand County at the junction
of the south and north forks of Mill Creek. Although the site is in Grand
County, a large portion of the south fork watershed is located in San Juan
County. The view is east upstream of the north fork which is public land
administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
Legal Description: SE1/4SE1/4 Section 5 T.26S., R.22E.
COMPARISON: Lee’s 1925 photograph shows an incised sandy alluvial terrace
with little or no riparian vegetation. The 1999 retake shows a healthy, properly
functioning riparian zone with a wide variety of woody and herbaceous riparian
plant species representing several age classes. Further outward expansion of
this riparian zone is limited by confining topography (high terraces and canyon
walls). Some of the native riparian plants include Fremont cottonwood, Gooding
willow, yellow willow, coyote willow, boxelder, bulrush, spike rush, Baltic
rush, horsetail, saltgrass and white virgin’s bower. Exotic species include
tamarisk, Siberian elm and Russian olive trees. These exotics are not a major
component of the overall plant community, but Russian olive plants are
increasing. This area was grazed by cattle until 5 years ago when they were
relocated. The area was closed to motorized vehicles at the same time, but is
now heavily impacted by pedestrian traffic.
Original:
Date: ca. 1925 (- A)
Photographer: W.T. Lee
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Colorado
Photograph Number: Lee No. 3085
Retake:
Date: June 28, 1999 (- B)
Photographer: Earl Hindley
Source: San Juan County
