The Lick Creek/Blackhorse Protection fence is approximately 5 miles in length and will be constructed as a “lay down” fence prohibiting cattle drift into Upper Lick Creek from the Marr Flat cattle & horse allotment.  This fence will be laid down every fall after livestock vacate the Blackhorse Pasture and put back up prior to livestock entry the following year.

Existing Condition – The Upper watershed of Lick Creek was formerly part of a sheep allotment that shared a boundary with the Marr Flat Allotment, Blackhorse Pasture which contains about 8,472 acres.  The grazing on this allotment is permitted to 4 different permittees.    Livestock have a tendency to drift off the Marr Flat Allotment from the Blackhorse Pasture and therefore access portions of the upper watershed of Lick Creek and its tributaries.  Although the habitat in this portion of the watershed is in excellent condition, if allowed to remain in these areas, or by encouraging use from other cattle, (bring others along with them), livestock could:

                •trample streambanks allowing for more sediment input into the stream,
                •browse woody vegetation decreasing vigor and shade cover,
                •change stream morphology by disrupting streambed characteristics, or
                •possibly step on redds.  

Although at this point in time effects from livestock grazing are not significant, in these areas of Lick creek, permittees rely on frequent riding to intercept cattle prior to reaching Lick Creek.  This is not always successful in keeping cattle out of areas where Chinook salmon and bull trout are spawning.  This project would eliminate livestock access to the stream reducing any adverse affects from grazing.

Specific Actions:

Task 1.  Construct 5.25 miles of 4 strand barb/smooth wire lay down fence
Task 2.  Place one cattle guard on the 39 road (refer to map).
Task 3.  Place one cattle guard on the 3925? Road (refer to map)

Benefits – Specific benefits include:

               •Protection of habitat in currently in excellent condition (streambanks’vegetation).
               •Enhancement of water quality and fisheries habitat lower in the watershed.
               •Allow permittees to spend more time in other areas of the allotment to ensure grazing management objectives are being met.

Work would begin after snowmelt and when soils are dry enough to be stable.  This would most likely be mid-June.