Crew Eradicating Sagebrush and Wyethia with 2-4 D Spray Rig, California Park 1953
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9344
Crew Eradicating Sagebrush and Wyethia with 2-4 D Spray Rig, California Park 1953 Summer 1953 "NE 1/4, Section 11: T9N, R87W.
Crew Eradicating Sagebrusch and Wyethia with 2-4 D Spray Rig, Califonia Park.
John Ambos with flag, taken during the Summer of 1953.
Wyethia and sagebrush in photo #1 [9344] has been replaced by grasses. There are more willows showing in photo #2 [9345] along Elkhead Creek and more conifers are showing in the aspen stands on the west side of California Park.
John Sundberg in bottom photo [9345] in the locaiton were John Ambos was standing in the 1953 photo."
"California Park was extensively grazed with livestock, specifically cattle, in the 1890s-1920s, before if became part of the National Forest. It was part of the 'beef trail' and the gathering site for herds in northwestern Colorado and southwestern Wyoming, from here cattle were driven to nearby rail-heads for shipment to the east. After cattle popularity declined sheep were grazed in the area; it is theorized that the wyethia seed was transported from Utah in their wool. The plant, wyethia is an invader, invading disturbed sites and proliferating hence, it's also an opportunist.
The results of the spraying are the replacement of wyethia and sagebrush grasses." Compare to photo 9345.
Description of image: a truck with a sprayer rigged to its front in middle of photo. "Power Wagon" painted on side of hood. A man holding a flag on a pole stands to the right of the truck.
From Routt National Forest Repeat Photos collection, full page scans available. Cathy Neelan Routt County Forestry/Sawmill/Timber Scenic B & W Photo