The area is immediately adjacent to the Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Severe headcutting in the stream at the historic Crookston Ranch this past season has caused significant erosion and the surrounding wetland is in danger of draining and drying up. Approximately 20 acres is being fenced - blocking access for vehicles and livestock.
Vegetation can help heal the stream and ripairan area by holding the soil and capturing sediment.
The pressures put on the system by grazing and the disturbances caused by people driving across the stream reduce the vigor of the vegetation and accelerate the upstream movement of the headcuts. Over the past year the main face of the headcut has moved about 70 feet and has deepened to almost 2 feet. It is in danger of draining a very sensitive portion of the riparian area. If we do not protect this area, we will be in danger of damaging a large portion of the riparian sponge that allows the entire system to exist. There's also a real danger to the public if someone drives across the area expecting level ground and suddenly hitting a 2 foot drop off.