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9345
California Park 1992 24 September 1992 "NE 1/4, Section 11: T9N, R87W.
Crew Eradicating Sagebrush and Wyethia with 2-4 D Spray Rig, California Park.
Taken by James R. Webb, September 24, 1992.
Wyethia and sagebrush in photo #1 [9344] has been replaced by grasses.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 location where John Ambos was stanidng 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 9344.
Description of image: a man stands in a grassy field to right of center of photo. A peak with a flat mesa top is in the background.
From Routt National Forest Repeat Photos collection, full page scans available. James R. Webb Cathy Neelan Routt County Forestry/Sawmill/Timber Scenic B & W Photo
