Intermountain Research Station Photographs, 1865-1982

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Intermountain Research Station (Ogden, Utah)
Title
Intermountain Research Station Photographs
Dates
1865-1982 (inclusive)
Quantity
232 photographs
Collection Number
Mss 770
Summary
This collection consists of photographs taken by various photographers of landscapes, vegetation and man-made structures and activities throughout Montana and northern Idaho.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana-Missoula.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The United States Forest Service Intermountain Research Station is now known as the Rocky Mountain Research Station and is part of a network of 14 research locations throughout the Great Basin, Southwest, Rocky Mountains and parts of the Great Plains. The Rocky Mountain Research Station is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The photographs in this collection are of various areas throughout Montana and northern Idaho and are dated 1865-1982. Most images show landscapes but also included are towns, mining camps, Fort Missoula, Fort Logan, and activities such as mining, agriculture and freighting. The bulk of these images were created as part of the Unites States Forest Service General Technical Report INT-158 titled: "Fire and Vegetative Trends in the Northern Rockies: Interpretations from 1871-1982 Photographs," published in 1983 by George E. Gruell of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station in Ogden, Utah. This technical report interpreted changes in forest and range vegetation at various locations resulting from the reduced instances of wildfire. Original photographs taken in the late 1800s through the mid-1900s were recreated by the United States Forest Service, the United States Geological Survey, and other agencies in the 1980s. Some of the photographs were not used in the final report.

The majority of the photographs are identified and dated. Each initial description duplicates the caption on the back of the photograph; additional information about the image has been provided by the processor.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright not transferred to The University of Montana.

Preferred Citation

Intermountain Research Station Photographs, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in two series.

Series I: 4" x 5" Negatives, 1871-1982, 187 photographs

Series II: Prints, 1865-1981, 49 photographs

Custodial History

The photographs were collected by and transferred from the United States Forest Service's Intermountain Fire Sciences Laboratory to the University of Montana's Archives.

Acquisition Information

Photographs were donated to the archives by James Brown and George Gruell in February 1985.

Processing Note

Prior to 2022, the collection only consisted of the photographs in Series II. In 2022, the Archives determined that provenance of additional images matched this collection, so they were processed as Series I.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I:  4" x 5" Negatives, 1871-1982Return to Top

183 photographs
Items within this series are organized by the plate number originally assigned by the United States Forest Service.
Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder photo_number
1/1 85-0007
Plate 1a: Clearwater River from Gilfillian Creek
Fire Group 11: Redcedar/grand fir. Elevation 2,700 ft (823 m). Looking northeast up the north fork of the Clearwater River from the outlet of Gilfillian Creek. Conifers and shrubs are in an early successional stage as a result of wildfires in 1910 and 1919. USFS photograph. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0008)
August 1941
1/1 85-0008
Plate 1b: Clearwater River from Gilfillian Creek
41 years later. Camera point was moved about 30 feet to the left to avoid screening trees, while other trees were cut to obtain a less obstructed view. Conifers now dominate slope on the opposite side of the river, while far slopes at left retain shrub dominance except for localized stands of conifers. Some of these conifers were planted in the 1930s. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0007)
September 1, 1982
1/1 85-0009
Plate 2a: Granite Mountain, Idaho
Fire Group 9: Moist lower subalpine fir. Elevation 5,900 ft (1,799 m). Looking south into the head of Timber Creek, a tributary of the St. Joe River. Camera point is on Granite Mountain, Red Ives Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Slopes in midground were burned in 1910. Scene shows many fire-killed snags. A variety of shrubs comprised the vegetative cover suring this early stage of succession. USFS photograph 190957 by J. A. Larsen. (See photograph 85.0010)
1924
1/1 85-0010
Plate 2b: Granite Mountain, Idaho
57 years later. Because of tree growth, camera point was moved, but photo approximates original coverage. Most snags in earlier photo have fallen and have partially decomposed. Conifers are mainly lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, subalpine fir, and mountain hemlock. Understory includes beargrass, grouse whortleberry, blue huckleberry, smooth menziesia, willow, and snowberry. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0009)
September 15, 1981
1/1 85-0011
Plate 3a: Wallace, Idaho
Fire Group 11: Warm-moist grand fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock. Elevation 3,300 ft (1,006 m). Looking west-northwest over Wallace, Idaho, just before the 1910 forest fire burned the northwest section of town. Young conifers and the presence of snags provide evidence of wildfire in earlier years. Barnard-Stockbridge Photograph, courtesy of Idaho State Historical Society. (See photograph 85.0012)
1910
1/1 85-0012
Plate 3b: Wallace, Idaho
70 years later. Douglas-fir regeneration screens part of the original view. Douglas-fir have filled in most of the openings on the distant slopes. Understory vegetation on the southeast-facing slopes directly behind town includes many shrubs such as willow, mountain maple, and ninebark. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0011)
July 1, 1980
1/1 85-0013
Plate 4a: Prichard Creek from mouth of Dream Gulch
Fire Group 11: Warm-moist grand fir, western redcedar, and western hemlock. Elevation 2,800 ft (854 m). Looking west-southwest down Prichard Creek from mouth of Dream Gulch. Location is west of Murray, Idaho, on the Wallace Ranger District. Cottonwood, willow, and other deciduous trees and shrubs predominate following wildfire and cutting of timber for mining purposes. Barnard-Stockbridge Photograph, courtesy of Idaho State Historical Society. (See photograph 85.0014)
1897
1/1 85-0014
Plate 4b: Prichard Creek from mouth of Dream Gulch
83 years later. Highway construction altered landscape in foreground. Camera point is approximate. Cottonwood and conifer regeneration screens view of Prichard Creek. Distant slope at right is now covered by Douglas-fir. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0013)
June 30, 1980
1/1 85-0015
Plate 5a: Across Prichard Creek into Reeder Gulch
Fire Group 11: Warm-moist grand fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock. Elevation 3,300 (1,006 m). Camera faces northeast across Prichard Creek into Reeder Gulch near Murray, Idaho, on Wallace Ranger District. The vegetative cover on slopes is in an early succession stage following wildfire and cutting of timber. Barnard-Stockbridge Photograph, courtesy of Idaho State Historical Society. (See photograph 85.0016)
1897
1/1 85-0016
Plate 5b: Across Prichard Creek into Reeder Gulch
83 years later. Growth of conifers necessitated placement of camera at lower position. A road now runs along the Prichard Creek bottom. Increased cover of conifers is typical of post-fire succession in north Idaho. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0015)
July 1, 1980
1/1 85-0017
Plate 6a: Goat Creek above mouth of the Thompson River
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 2,500 ft (762 m). Looking west-northwest up Goat Creek from the H. J. Corley homestead 2 miles above the mouth of the Thompson River in Montana. Slopes behind homestead apparently burned in 1910. Scattered stumps suggest that light cutting had also occured. USGS photograph 1924 by W.C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0018)
July 9, 1928
1/1 85-0018
Plate 6b: Goat Creek above mouth of the Thompson River
53 years later. State Highway 200 now runs through foreground. Closure of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forest canopy on slope at left has resulted in decline in condition of deciduous shrubs including mountain maple, chokecherry, and willow. Conifer densities have increased on rocky southwest-facing slope (opposite), but not as dramatically because of dry rocky site conditions. Widely spaced stumps and remnants of snags indicate that presettlement conifer stands were quite open in this locality. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0017)
September 9, 1981
1/1 85-0019
Plate 7a: Knowles Creek, a tributary to the Clark Fork River
Fire Group 2: Warm-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 2,800 ft (854 m). Camera faces north-northwest towards Knowles Creek, a tributary to the Clark Fork River about 6.5 miles west of Perma on State Highway 200. Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir in foreground had regenerated after wildfire. Some cutting had also occured. Distant southerly exposures support an open stand of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. Antelope bitterbrush comprises predominate shrub cover on alluvial fan. USGS photograph 1915 by W. C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0020)
July 5, 1928
1/1 85-0020
Plate 7b: Knowles Creek, a tributary to the Clark Fork River
53 years later. Dense conifer growth made it necessary to move camera several hundred yards to an elevated position. Widely scattered stumps in midground (some showing scars from 8 different fires) showed that frequent fires kept presettlement stands very open on the south side of the Clark Fork River. The drier distant slopes show a slower increase in conifer density. Logging has also restricted conifer development. Heavy livestock use has apparently been a factor in reducing bitterbrush cover on the alluvial fan. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0019)
September 15, 1981
1/1 85-0021
Plate 8a: Daphnia Pond and Swan Range on the east side of Flathead Lake
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 3,100 ft (945 m). Camera faces north toward Daphnia Pond and Swan Range on the east side of Flathead Lake, 3 miles north of Woods Bay. Snags attest to a fire in the late 1800s that killed most of the coniferous forest around the pond. Removal of conifers stimulated heavy growth of herbs and shrubs. Photograph by M. J. Elrod, courtesy of University of Montana Archives and Special Collections. (See photograph 85.0022)
1902
1/1 85-0022
Plate 8b: Daphnia Pond and Swan Range on the east side of Flathead Lake
79 years later. Fall haze obscures Swan Range in distance. Cattail growth now obscures pond surface. Dense conifers including ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, larch, and spruce have regenerated on near slope at right. Cottonwood and dogwood flourish along pond edge, while shade-tolerant shrubs are on the decline beneath the conifer canopy. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0021)
September 28, 1981
1/1 85-0023
Plate 9a: Columbia Mountain and Teakettle Mountain
Fire Group 9: Moist lower subalpine fir. Elevation 6,400 ft (1,951 m). Looking southwest toward Columbia Mountain (left) and Teakettle Mountain (right) from fire lookout tower on Desert Mountain, Coram Experimental Forest, Flathead National Forest. Scene shows mosaic of burned and unburned terrain following an intense wildfire that swept the valley between Columbia Falls and Lake McDonald on August 14-17, 1929. USDI photograph by E. Bloom. (See photograph 85.0024)
August 24, 1935
1/1 85-0024
Plate 9b: Columbia Mountain and Teakettle Mountain
46 years later. Photograph taken from ground level through haze caused by wildfires. Valley floor and mountains in distance are now largely covered by dense stands of lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0023)
August 28, 1981
1/1 85-0025
Plate 10a: Flathead River and Apgar Mountain
Fire Group 9: Moist lower subalpine fir. Elevation 6,400 ft (1,951 m). From Belton Point the view is northwest toward Flathead River and Apgar Mountain at left-center. This scene shows the northern extension of August 14-17, 1929 fire pictured in previous plate. This fire literally denuded sites such as those adjacent to Halfmoon Lake (left-center) and Lake McDonald (upper-right). Many conifers survived the fire (below) where fuels were discontinuous. USDI photograph by E. Bloom. (See photograph 85.0026)
August 24, 1935
1/1 85-0026
Plate 10b: Flathead River and Apgar Mountain
46 years later. Valley bottom and adjacent slopes in distance are now densely covered by lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, subalpine fir, spruce, and larch. The rich subalpine fir habitat types in this valley have a high potential for producing an assortment of deciuous shrubs and trees that flourish after fire. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0025)
August 28, 1981
1/1 85-0027
Plate 11a: Evaro Hill toward Jocko Mountains
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 3,900 ft (1,889 m). Camera faces east-northeast across Evaro Hill towards the Jocko Mountains from a point 0.5 miles below Evaro, Montana. Shrub cover on near slope regenerated following a 1919 wildfire. Conifer regeneration includes ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, western larch, and lodgepole pine. Photograph by W. R. McGee. (See photograph 85.0028)
June 5, 1941
1/1 85-0028
Plate 11b: Evaro Hill toward Jocko Mountains
38 years later. Camera was offset approximately 300 feet south and 200 feet above original position to avoid screening conifers. Slope is now covered by a dense stand of conifers dominated by Douglas-fir. Shrub understory includes ninebark, snowberry, willow, mountain maple, white spiraea, and pinegrass. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0027)
October 5, 1979
1/1 85-0029
Plate 12a: Lick Creek timber sale near Como Lake
Fire Group 4: Warm-dry Douglas fir. Elevation 4,400 ft (1,341 m). A Northwesterly view showing cleanup operations on the Lick Creek timber sale, Bitterroot National Forest near Como Lake. The number of stumps and slash piles suggests that this was an open ponderosa pine stand, a condition typical of the Bitterroot Valley where stands had been subjected to frequent ground fires. Fire scar samples showed a mean fire interval of 7 years between 1600 and 1900 (Gruell and others 1982). The understory appears to have a high incidence of lupine, but few shrubs are evident. Forest Service "lumberman" C. H. Gregory stands in foreground. USFS photograph 86476 by W. J. Lubken. (See photograph 85.0030)
1909
1/1 85-0030
Plate 12b: Lick Creek timber sale near Como Lake
70 years later. Camera point replicated original position. Soil disturbance during logging and exclusion of wildfire allowed ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir seedlings to become established and develop into dense understory. The large ponderosa pine in center-foreground in the 1909 view as well as others were cut during shelterwood and selection harvests in 1952 and 1962. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0029)
September 1979
1/1 85-0031
Plate 13a: Jake Wetzsteon residence in Ross' Hole
Fire Group 4: Warm-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,400 ft (1,341 m). Looking west at the Jake Wetzsteon residence in Ross' Hole 0.7 miles north of Highway 472-State Highway 93 junction. The drier southwest-facing slope on right is a ponderosa pine climax site. Perennial grasses predominate in understory. The cooler Douglas-fir climax northeast slope and draw support more conifers. The absence of fire for several decades has allowed regeneration of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. Photograph courtesy of Darby Historical Society. (See photograph 85.0032)
circa 1895
1/1 85-0032
Plate 13b: Jake Wetzsteon residence in Ross' Hole
About 85 years later. New road alignment necessitated placement of camera at lower position. Fire exclusion and no logging have allowed unrestricted development of conifers. Fire scar sampling of ponderosa pine in this locality (Arno 1976) showed a mean fire interval of 10 years prior to settlement. Photograph by G.E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0031)
June 17, 1980
1/1 85-0033
Plate 14a: Flint Creek Range
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas fir. Elevation 5,500 ft (1,611 m). Looking east towards Flint Creek Range from bench between Fred Burr Creek and Summer Gulch. Grassland in foreground and midground has been grazed heavily by livestock. Douglas-fir are regenerating on moraine in midground. Fore mosaics are evident in distance. USGS photograph 14 by F.C. Calkins. (See photograph 85.0034)
circa 1906-08
1/1 85-0034
Plate 14b: Flint Creek Range
About 73-75 years later. Perennial grasses had not been utilized by livestock as of July 21, 1981. Dense Douglas-fir now occupy the formerly open moraine in midground. Dense lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir cover distant slopes. Photograph by G.E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0033)
July 21, 1981
1/1 85-0035
Plate 15a: Dirty Dick Gulch
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,600 ft (1,707 m). The camera faces west down Dirty Dick Gulch approximately 2 miles north of Philipsburg, Montana. Ground cover on south-facing slope on right is predominately bluebunch wheatgrass. A few Douglas-fir and Rocky Mountain juniper have regenerated on the south slope, while the north slope is occupied by an open stand of Douglas-fir. USGS photograph 98 by F.C. Calkins. (See photograph 85.0036)
circa 1906-08
1/2 85-0036
Plate 15b: Dirty Dick Gulch
About 73-75 years later. Production of bluebunch wheatgrass has declined because of encroachment of Douglas-fir and Rocky Mountain juniper. A dense Douglas-fir stand now occupies canyon bottom and north slope. Confiers have increased in density in background. Photograph by G.E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0035)
July 21, 1981
1/2 85-0037
Plate 16a: US Hghway 10A
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,000 ft (1,524 m). Looking northeast from point now occupied by US Highway 10A, 8 miles northeast of Philipsburg, Montana. Deciduous shrubs, herbs, and young aspen are evident in foreground and midground. Conifers on benchlands include Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and Rocky Mountain juniper. Open slope in distance was swept by a crown fire around the turn of the century. USGS photograph 29 by F.C. Calkins. (See photograph 85.0038)
circa 1906-08
1/2 85-0038
Plate 16b: US Hghway 10A
About 73-75 years later. Except for the portion of clearcut visible at right-midground, the landscape above highway right-of-way is now covered by a dense stand of conifers dominated by Douglas-fir. Aspen have matured along edge of conifers, while those in competition with conifers are dying out. Shrubs, including buffaloberry and snowberry, are also deteriorating. Photograph by G.E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0037)
July 21, 1981
1/2 85-0039
Plate 17a: Two Medicine Ridge northeast of East Glacier
Fire Group 1: Dry limber pine. Elevation 6,200 ft (1,890 m). Camera faces east from a position on ridge above Two Medicine Lake about 6 miles northeast of East Glacier, Montana. The many snags indicate that fire had swept the landscape. Scattered stumps show evidence of early timber cutting. Dark tone of open slopes reflects condition of herbaceous vegetation before cutting. USGS photograph 1101 by W.C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0040)
July 6, 1921
1/2 85-0040
Plate 17b: Two Medicine Ridge northeast of East Glacier
60 years later. Conifers include whitebark pine, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, and Douglas-fir. The dry slopes dominated by perennial grass appear unchanged. Aspen have regenerated on deeper soils (lower right) that supported conifer before the fire. Aspend stands growing in association with conifer (right distance) regenerated following the early 1900 wildfire. Photograph by G.E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0039)
September 27, 1981
1/2 85-0041
Plate 18a: South Fork of Teton River
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,100 ft (1,555 m). Looking south-southeast across the south fork of the Teton River at a point opposite the Circle 8 Guest Ranch about 35 miles west of Choteau, Montana. When this photograph was taken, the photographer noted that the foothills had been "repeatedly overrun by fire." Snags are well distributed over the landscape and young aspen occupy the toe of the slope. The valley bottom shows signs of having been heavily grazed by domestic livestock. Photograph 95-FRD-2069 by H.B. Ayres, courtesy of the National Archives. (See photograph 85.0042)
July 19, 1899
1/2 85-0042
Plate 18b: South Fork of Teton River
82 years later. Mature aspen stands are conspicuous along the forest ecotone. Slopes above support dense conifer cover, mostly Douglas-fir. Canopy closure has resulted in loss of early successional herbs and shrubs. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0041)
September 8, 1981
1/2 85-0043
Plate 19a: Sawtooth Ridge on Sun River Game Range
Fire Group 1: Dry limber pine. Elevation 4,900 ft (1,494 m). From the foothills east of Castle Reef on Rocky Mountain Front the view is south across an open limber pine type towards Sawtooth Ridge on Sun River Game Range. Limber pine is largely confined to ridges and rocky sites where fine fuels were sparse. Fire-scarred snag at lower left and scarred living trees indicate wildfires had a significant influence on this landscape prior to settlement. Following settlement, trees were lightly harvested in the immediate area. USGS photograph 663a by C. D. Walcott.
1900
1/2 85-0044
Plate 19b: Sawtooth Ridge on Sun River Game Range
81 years later. Limber pine are more dense along ridges and have become established on concave slopes and bottomlands. Distant slopes show extent of conifer regeneration south of Sun River pictured in Plate 13b. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0044)
September 17, 1981
1/2 85-0045
Plate 20a: Northwest corner of the Sun River Game Range
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,600 ft (1,402 m). Looking south from a point that today is just oustide the northwest corner of the Sun River Game Range. Basin adjacent slopes show effects of past wildfires in rejuvenating aspen and influencing vegetative mosaics. Distant northwest-facing ridge at left shows evidence of having been swept by fire. Note mature Douglas-fir stand on steep north-facing slope (arrow) that did not burn. USFS photograph. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0046)
1909
1/2 85-0046
Plate 20b: Northwest corner of the Sun River Game Range
70 years later. Nearest ridge at right is now largely covered by Douglas-fir. Aspen stands have matured, and where competition with conifer has been intense, aspen are declining in condition or have died out. Limber pine regeneration at left screens view of distant slope that supports a closed stand of Douglas-fir. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0045)
October 9, 1979
1/2 85-0047
Plate 21a: Sun River Canyon
Fire Group 1: Dry limber pine. Elevation 4,600 ft (1,402 m). The camera faces north towards the Sun River Canyon from a point 30 to 50 yards north of previous camera point. Castle Reef is at left. Conifers in midground and on far slopes are predominately limber pine. A large aspen stand occupies the mid portion of larger draw at left in distance (arrow). USFS photograph. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0048)
1909
1/2 85-0048
Plate 21b: Sun River Canyon
70 years later. Slopes in midground and in distance (left) burned in 1919. Limber pine on near slope were thinned by this fire. The large stand of limber pine at upper left of photo also burned (closed arrow). This fire apparently carried through large stand of aspen in distance (open arrow) that has since deteriorated. Photograph by W.J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0047)
October 10, 1979
1/2 85-0049
Plate 22a: Across Sun River toward Home Gulch
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,800 ft (1,463 m). Looking south-southwest across the Sun River toward Home Gulch from upper ridge in Wagner Basin. Effects of past fires are shown as snags in foreground and on lower slope at left. Photograph by H. B. Ayres, courtesy of the National Archives. (See photograph 85.0050)
July 1899
1/2 85-0050
Plate 22b: Across Sun River toward Home Gulch
82 years later. Dense conifer stands now occupy much of the area that was formerly open. Note particularly the band of conifers along the distant ridge at right. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0049)
September 8, 1981
1/2 85-0051
Plate 23a: Across Smith Creek toward Crown Mountain
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,300 ft (1,616 m). From the ridge about 5 miles west of Haystack Butte, the view is southwest across Smith Creek toward Crown Mountain on east front of Rocky Mountains, Lewis and Clark National Forest. Near slopes are early in succession following wildfire in the late 1800s that removed conifers and stiumlated production of aspen, willow, chokecherry, mountain maple, and other deciduous vegetation. Stumps resulting from timber cutting and snags indicate that the pre-1900 conifer stands were less dense than current stands. USGS photograph 665 by C. D. Walcott. (See photograph 85.0052)
1900
1/2 85-0052
Plate 23b: Across Smith Creek toward Crown Mountain
81 years later. Slopes below camera point and adjacent terrain as well as near slope are now densely covered by Douglas-fir. View was obtained by cutting screening fir and climbing one of the larger Douglas-fir about 50 yards from original camera position at top of ridge. Canopy closure has resulted in a decline in condition of deciduous species. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0051)
September 16, 1981
1/2 85-0053
Plate 24a: Cyanide Mountain on the Wood Canyon drainage
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,300 ft (1,616 m). Looking west-northwest toward Cyanide Mountain on the Wood Canyon drainage, Rocky Mountain Front, from a point approximately 50 yards below previous plate. Influence of wildfire in the late 1800s is indicated on left side of photo and on Cyanide Mountain in distance by presence of snags and early successional vegetation including aspen. Grassy slopes on right are apparently too dry to support conifers. USGS photograph 666 by C.D. Walcott. (See photograph 85.0054)
1900
1/2 85-0054
Plate 24b: Cyanide Mountain on the Wood Canyon drainage
81 years later. Camera was moved about 100 yards down slope from original position to avoid trees that screened view. Closure of Douglas-fir canopy (lower left) has resulted in deterioration of aspen and associated early successional plants. Proliferation of conifers is apparent in distance. Photograph by G.E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0053)
September 16, 1981
1/2 85-0055
Plate 25a: Dearborn River south of Augusta, Montana
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,500 ft (1,372 m). A southeast view from low bluff on Wallace Bean Ranch. Location is on Dearborn River south of Augusta, Montana. Snags and early successional aspen, willow, and other deciduous vegetation attest to wildfire in the late 1800s. USGS photograph 667 by C.D. Walcott. (See photograph 85.0056)
1900
1/2 85-0056
Plate 25b: Dearborn River south of Augusta, Montana
81 years later. Cabin in 1900 photo is no longer standing. Drainage bottom in midground now supports mature cottonwoods, aspen, and willow. Slopes in distance which were formerly open are now largely covered by Douglas-fir. Mature aspen stands are also evident. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0055)
September 7, 1981
1/2 85-0057
Plate 26a: Across Dearborn River toward Steamboat Mountain
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,000 ft (1,524 m). Looking northwest across the Dearborn River towards Steamboat Mountain from a point approximately 2.5 miles west of what is now the Diamond X Ranch in Montana. The vegetation on near slope and in distance is in early succession following wildfire several decades earlier. Conifers surviving this fire were confined to moist sites and rocky areas where fuels were sparse. USGS photograph 1108 by W.C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0058)
July 10, 1921
1/2 85-0058
Plate 26b: Across Dearborn River toward Steamboat Mountain
60 years later. Camera was moved backward to avoid Douglas-fir and limber pine which screened original view. Scene shows a marked change in tree cover on the deeper soils. Conifer establishment has been slow on the harsher (rocky and dry) sites. Photograph by R.F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0057)
September 7, 1981
1/2 85-0059
Plate 27a: West side of Sullivan Hill
Fire Group 2: Warm-dry ponderosa pine. Elevation 4,600 ft (1,402 m). View is north-northeast on west side of Sullivan Hill just off county road about 25 miles west of Cascade, Montana. Landscape has been dusted by a recent snowfall. The slopes are essentially a grassland type with patches of shrubs. The predominant conifers are limber pine on ridges at right and ponderosa pine on the left. Photograph by E. Kopa, courtesy of Library of Congress. (See photograph 85.0060)
circa 1920
1/2 85-0060
Plate 27b: West side of Sullivan Hill
About 61 years later. Vegetative changes are difficult to interpret. Shrubs including willow and chokecherry have deteriorated. Ponderosa pine stands have matured and thickened, but show little expansion into grasslands. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0059)
July 26, 1981
1/2 85-0061
Plate 28a: Slope outside of Marysville, Montana
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,300 ft (1,616 m). A southeast view of slope just outside the old mining town of Marysville, Montana. Railroad tracks, tailings, trails, and stumps to attest to intensity of mining activity. Widespread occurrence of snags and the stage of understory development indicate that slopes were swept by a wildfire several decades earlier. USGS photograph 95 by R. H. Chapman. (See photograph 85.0062)
1901
1/2 85-0062
Plate 28b: Slope outside of Marysville, Montana
80 years later. Camera position is somewhat lower and to the left of original position. Nonetheless, this scene shows a dramatic change following earlier disturbances. Various deciduous shrubs and trees including aspen, chokecherry, willow, and rose now grow on sites not occupied by conifers. The predominate conifer is Douglas-fir. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0061)
July 24, 1981
1/2 85-0063
Plate 29a: Beaver Creek downstream from Nelson, Montana
Fire Group 4: Warm-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,000 ft (1,220 m). The camera faces due south across Beaver Creek at a point 3.2 miles downstream from Nelson, Montana, on Helena Ranger District. Snags and size of young conifers indicate that the slopes were swept by a crown fire in the late 1800s. A variety of herbs and shrubs comprises understory vegetation. USGS photograph 642 by C. D. Walcott. (See photograph 85.0064)
1900
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Plate 29b: Beaver Creek downstream from Nelson, Montana
80 years later. Douglas-fir regenerated following the late 1800s fire. Understory vegetation, including mountain maple, snowberry, buffaloberry, serviceberry, and currant, has since deteriorated as a result of crown closure. Snags at center and right of photograph resulted from a small wildfire in 1968. This fire caused extensive regeneration of a variety of shrubs and herbs. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0063)
July 24, 1980
1/2 85-0065
Plate 30a: Soup Creek above Soup Creek Crossing
Fire Group 4: Warm-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,900 fit (1,494 m). The camera faces north from the mouth of Soup Creek approximately 4 miles above the Soup Creek crossing at the "old Smith Place," Big Belt Mountains, Helena Ranger District. This area was severely burned, apparently by the large wildfire of 1875. Shrubs and herbs comprised the primary vegetation during this early state of succession. The dark shrubs in foreground are chokecherry. Heavy utilization by livestock is evident. USGS photograph 664 by C.D. Walcott. (See photograph 85.0066)
1900
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Plate 30b: Soup Creek above Soup Creek Crossing
80 years later. Canyon bottom is now well covered by vegetation including ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, Rocky Mountain juniper, chokecherry, dogwood, willow, skunkbush, mountain maple, ninebark, and mock orange. Herbaceous vegetation in foreground had not been grazed by livestock as of July 25, 1980. Photograph by W.J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0065)
July 25, 1980
1/3 85-0067
Plate 31a: Trout Creek narrows below York, Montana
Mahogany Fire Group. Elevation 3,900 ft (1,889 m). Looking northeast at the Trout Creek narrows below York, Montana, on the Helena Ranger District, Helena National Forest. Flume was constructed to provide water for hydraulic mining on gravel bars along the Missouri River. Shrubs and trees on the steep, rocky faces include curlleaf mountain mahogany, Rocky Mountain juniper, ponderosa pine, and Douglas-fir. USGS photograph HS-17 by W.H. Jackson, courtesy of Montana Historical Society. (See photograph 85.0068)
1872
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Plate 31b: Trout Creek narrows below York, Montana
108 years later. Flume is gone and a road now occupies most of canyon bottom. Young conifers in rocks at upper-left in the 1872 scene were removed by fire or cutting. Curlleaf mountain mahogany has regenerated on deeper soils and grown considerably. Conifers are beginning to predominate on distant slopes. Photograph by W.J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0067)
July 24, 1980
1/3 85-0069
Plate 32a: Magpie Creek above junction with MT Highway 284
Fire Group 4: Warm-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,000 ft (1,220 m). Looking southwest down Magpie Creek 0.2 miles above junction with State Highway 284 east of the Canyon Ferry reservoir. Conifers in midground are in an early successional stage. Deciduous vegetation includes skunkbrush in foreground and cottonwood. Sagebrush occupies openings and the flats below. Tailings at right are evidence of earlier placer mining. Photograph by C. E. Dalton, courtesy of University of Montana Archives and Special Collections. (See photograph 85.0070)
circa 1880
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Plate 32b: Magpie Creek above junction with MT Highway 284
100 years later. Camera was moved to the right approximately 100 feet to higher ground to avoid conifers that completely screen the original view. Today, ponderosa pine predominates. Rocky Mountain juniper and scattered Douglas-fir are also present. Sagebrush, skunkbrush, and perennial grasses dominate the foreground. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0069)
July 25, 1980
1/3 85-0071
Plate 33a: Mouth of Hellgate in Big Belt Mountains
Mahogany Fire Group. Elevation 4,400 ft (1,341 m). A northeast view at the mouth of Hellgate Canyon, Big Belt Mountains, Helena National Forest. Perennial grasses comprise primary ground cover on southerly exposure on left. Scattered young conifers are also evident. Southwesterly exposure appears to be largely occupied by shrubs. USGS photograph 993 by W. H. Jackson. (See photograph 85.0072)
1872
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Plate 33b: Mouth of Hellgate in Big Belt Mountains
109 years later. Cover on southerly exposure has increased markedly as a result of Douglas-fir and Rocky Mountain juniper regeneration. Shrub cover including curlleaf mountain mahogany has increased on southwesterly exposure. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0071)
July 30, 1981
1/3 85-0073
Plate 34a: White's Gulch in Big Belt Mountains
Fire Group 4: Warm-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,500 ft (1,372 m). A view due east up White's Gulch in the Big Belt Mountains from a point on the Helena National Forest boundary, about 15 miles east-southeast of Canyon Ferry. South slope on left has been intensively grazed. Deciduous vegetaion including alder, cottonwood, aspen, and willow dominate along stream course. Snags on northwest slope at right attest to an earlier stand destroying fire. The growth stage of Douglas-fir on this slope suggest this fire occured several decades earlier. USGS photograph 531 by C. D. Walcott. (See photograph 85.0074)
1898
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Plate 34b: White's Gulch in Big Belt Mountains
82 years later. This view is offset approximately 50 feet upslope to avoid vegetation that screens original view. Grass cover in foreground had not been grazed by livestock as of July 26, 1980. Canyon bottom now supports dense vegetation, including Douglas-fir. Establishment of Douglas-fir, Rocky Mountain juniper, mountain big sagebrush, and skunkbrush has changed the appearance of the south slope. The northwest slope is densly covered by Douglas-fir. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0073)
July 26, 1980
1/3 85-0075
Plate 35a: Indian Creek west of Townsend, Montana
Fire Group 4: Warm-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,200 ft (1,585 m). Looking east-southeast over Hassel, Montana. This site is on Indian Creek west of Townsend and adjacent to the Helena National Forest. Ground cover appears to be predominately herbaceous vegetation. Scattered Rocky Mountain juniper along with a few ponderosa pines and limber pines occupy the more rocky terrain on southerly slope at left. A few widely scattered conifers can be seen on the northerly slope at right. Conifers are more abundant on distant slope. Photograph courtesy of Montana Historical Society. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0076)
circa 1880
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Plate 35b: Indian Creek west of Townsend, Montana
About 100 years later. Past mining operations have drastically altered the canyon bottom. Disturbed dry areas are now thickly covered by mountain big sagebrush, while moist sites along stream course support willow, aspen, and cottonwood. Rocky Mountain juniper and Douglas-fir have increased greatly on the formerly open slopes. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0075)
July 28, 1980
1/3 85-0077
Plate 36a: Near Castle, Montana
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,000 ft (1,829 m). The view is south-southeast from a point 0.5 miles south of Castle, Montana. Conifer cover is primarily Douglas-fir. Scattered sagebrush occupies the deep soils on the lower slopes at left and in foreground at right. Willows predominate along stream bank below. USFS photograph 220102 by K. D. Swan. (See photograph 85.0078)
1927
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Plate 36b: Near Castle, Montana
52 years later. Douglas-fir saplings in foreground required moving camera point approximately 150 feet below original position. Many sites that were formerly open are now occupied by Douglas-fir. The increased tree size and density of stands have resulted in a decline in early successional species including willow and aspen. Note the increase in sagebrush at right-foreground. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0077)
September 11, 1979
1/3 85-0079
Plate 37a: Slopes above Haystack Springs in Dry Range
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,300 ft (1,616 m). Looking southwest at slopes above Haystack Springs in Dry Range, Lewis and Clark National Forest. Snags indicate a wildfire that occurred in 1910. The cabin pictured was constructed in 1919 by A. Watson and used during summer months as a base for sheep grazing operations. Aspen in an early growth stage is evident in midground. USFS photograph. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0080)
1924
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Plate 37b1: Slopes above Haystack Springs in Dry Range
57 years later. Camera was placed approximately 50 yards upslope and behind the original position to avoid aspen that screen original view (inset). Aspen have regenerated on perimeter of original stand including the inside of the cabin, which lost its roof. Slopes above cabin are mostly covered by a dense Douglas-fir stand. Where canopies have closed, aspen, and willow have died out. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0079)
September 24, 1981
1/3 85-0081
Plate 37b2: Slopes above Haystack Springs in Dry Range
Closer view of Plate 37b1. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photographs 85.0079 and 85.0080)
September 24, 1981
1/3 85-0082
Plate 38a: Smith River east of the head of Spring Coulee
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,000 ft (1,220 m). Looking due north across the Smith River from a point approximately 3 miles east from the head of Spring Coulee. Snags on slope below and early growth stage of understory plants indicate that this locality was swept by wildfire several decades earlier. This fire promoted development of a dense shrub cover. Fire's influence on distant southwest slopes is indicated by confinement of conifers to rock outcrops and moist draws. USGS photograph 137 by V. H. Barnett. (See photograph 85.0083)
1909
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Plate 38b1: Smith River east of the head of Spring Coulee
72 years later. Regeneration and growth of Douglas-fir (outset) made it necessary to move camera approximately 75 yards northeast to the only natural opening. Open slope in 1909 scene that resulted from fire is now densely covered by Douglas-fir. In distance, conifers show a marked increase in density. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0082)
1981
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Plate 38b2: Smith River east of the head of Spring Coulee
View from behind Douglas-fir. Photograph by G. E. Gruell (See photographs 85.0082 and 85.0083)
1981
1/3 85-0085
Plate 39a: Monarch Canyon north of Monarch, Montana
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,800 ft (1,463 m). A southeast view into Monarch Canyon from a point approximately 2 miles north of Monarch, Montana, in the Belt Ranger District, Little Belt Mountains. Far slopes and ridge above cliffs at left were swept by wildfire in 1919. USFS photograph by R. F. Rush. (See photograph 85.0086)
August 1922
1/3 85-0086
Plate 39b: Monarch Canyon north of Monarch, Montana
57 years later. Construction of county road altered foreground. Aspen at lower-left in early view has matured. Far slopes and ridge at left are now covered by a dense stand of lodgepole pine. Douglas-fir are also regenerating in this locality. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0085)
September 13, 1979
1/3 85-0087
Plate 40a: Belt Ranger Station
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,100 ft (1,555 m). Looking west-southwest toward the Belt Creek Ranger Station, Lewis and Clark National Forest. Open slopes behind station support shrubs, herbs, and young conifers that regenerated following a wildfire in 1919. Note snags that resulted from this fire. USFS photograph. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0088)
circa 1930
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Plate 40b: Belt Ranger Station
About 49 years later. Camera is positioned lower on slope to allow a less-obstructed view. Conifers on slope behind Ranger Station are predominately Douglas-fir. Lodgepole pine are also present. Conifer growth has shaded out much of the shrub and herb understory that regenerated following the 1919 fire. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0087)
September 13, 1979
1/3 85-0089
Plate 41a: Sheep Creek near Calf Creek Guard Station
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,400 ft (1,646 m). Looking south across Sheep Creek in the vicinity of the Calf Creek Guard Station, White Sulphur Springs Ranger District. Far slopes are in an early stage of succession with young aspen and Douglas-fir predominating. The young age class of conifers suggests recovery following wildfire in the late 1800s. USFS photograph 220660 by K. D. Swan. (See photograph 85.0090)
September 1927
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Plate 41b: Sheep Creek near Calf Creek Guard Station
72 years later. Mountain big sagebrush has become established in foreground, while cottonwood trees which formerly occupied streambank at lower-center are gone. Increased density and growth of Douglas-fir along stream bottom and on far slopes have resulted in decline of willow and aspen on sites where these species competed for space. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0089)
September 12, 1979
1/3 85-0091
Plate 42a: Yogo Creek above the American Sapphire Mine, Little Belt Mountains
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,600 ft (1,707 m). The camera faces northwest up Yogo Creek at a point on rock outcrop directly above the American Sapphire Mine, Little Belt Mountains, Lewis and Clark National Forest. Stumps along bottom and snags on both sides of canyon are evidence of localized cutting and an extensive wildfire. Willow, cottonwood, and aspen occupy sites along stream course. Conifers on right are primarily ponderosa pine. Note flume at right of road. USGS photograph 11 by D. B. Sterret. (See photograph 85.0092)
1910
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Plate 42b: Yogo Creek above the American Sapphire Mine, Little Belt Mountains
70 years later. Douglas-fir predominates on old burn at left. Ponderosa pine stand on the drier southwest slope on right shows less change. Alteration of canyon bottom by road construction and increased competition from conifers has resulted on decline of willow and aspen. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0091)
August 20, 1980
1/3 85-0093
Plate 43a: East side of Judith Mountains northeast of Lewistown, Montana
Fire Group 4: Warm-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,300 ft (1,311 m). A north-northwest view of troopers in vicinity of Fort Maginnis. This fort was located on the east side of the Judith Mountains (distance) about 20 miles northeast of Lewistown, Montana. Ground cover on ridge and lower slopes in distance is apparently dominated by perennial grasses. Conifer distribution on far slope is largely confined to localized sites. Pattern of regenerating conifers suggests that wildfire had burned the stand several decades earlier. Photograph by W. H. Culver, courtesy of Montana Historical Society. (See photograph 85.0094)
1888
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Plate 43b: East side of Judith Mountains northeast of Lewistown, Montana
92 years later. Taken in the season, the foreground vegetation shows effects of current livestock grazing. Shrubs including chokecherry, currant, rose, shrubby cinquefoil, and common juniper are more conspicuous in rocks, as are conifers and shrubs at left-midground (arrow). Stream course in distance at center-left of photo, which formerly was treeless, now supports large cottonwoods, Douglas-fir, and ponderosa pine. Absence of fire has allowed profuse regeneration of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine of far slopes. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0093)
July 18, 1980
1/3 85-0095
Plate 44a: Blake Creek on south side of Big Snowy Mountains
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,100 ft (1,860 m). Looking north-northwest up Blake Creek at a point 1 mile above forest boundary on south side of Big Snowy Mountains, Lewis and Clark National Forest. Scene shows effects of wildfire in the late 1800s that burned both sides of drainage. Scattered ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir occupy near slope and canyon bottom. Herbs and shrubs comprise early successional vegetation in burned areas. On right, fire created mosaic of burned and unburned timber. Note rock outcrop in burned stand. USGS photograph 114 by W. R. Calvert. (See photograph 85.0096)
1909
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Plate 44b: Blake Creek on south side of Big Snowy Mountains
71 years later. Camera was moved left of original point to avoid trees that screened early view. Regeneration of Douglas-fir has resulted in a landscape dominated by conifers. The rock outcrop visible in 1909 is now almost totally obscured by tree growth. Conifer competition has largely eliminated early successional understory species. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0095)
August 20, 1980
1/3 85-0097
Plate 45a: Rock outcrop on Blake Creek
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,100 ft (1,860 m). Close up view of rock outcrop shown in previous plate. The presence of Douglas-fir regeneration and the condition of snags suggest this burn occurred in the 1880s. USGS photograph 113 by W. R. Calvert. (See photograph 85.0098)
1909
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Plate 45b: Rock outcrop on Blake Creek
71 years later. This view was offset approximately 100 yards south of original point to avoid Douglas-fir which screened original view. The dense Douglas-fir stand now almost totally obstructs view of rock outcrop. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0097)
August 20, 1980
1/3 85-0099
Plate 46a: Swimming Woman Creek toward Half Moon Pass
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,700 ft (1,433 m). Looking northeast across Swimming Woman Creek towards Half Moon Pass (center-left) in Big Snowy Mountains, Lewis and Clark National Forest. Standing snags along stream course and in distance indicate a large wildfire in the late 1800s. Vegetation along creek bottom has been heavily grazed by livestock. USGS photograph 117B by W. R. Calvert. (See photograph 85.0100)
circa 1909
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Plate 46b: Swimming Woman Creek toward Half Moon Pass
About 72 years later. Few conifers have regenerated along drainage bottom which has received heavy livestock grazing. Willow is less dense than formerly, while aspen in midground have matured. Subsequent wildfires in 1921 and 1955 have kept distant slopes mostly free of conifers. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0099)
September 12, 1981
1/4 85-0101
Plate 47a: North Fork of Big Hole River toward Battle Mountain
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,600 ft (2,012 m). A view north-northwest across the north fork of the Big Hole River towards Battle Mountain. Scene is on the Big Hole Battlefield National Monument. The shrubs behind T. C. Sherril are willow, while the vegetation on the open slope is an association of mountain big sagebrush, perennial grasses, and forbs. Douglas-fir borders the opening at upper right. The 2 large Douglas-fir trees in the opening were used as cover by a Nez Perce sharpshooter who fired on troops. Photograph by Will Cave, courtesy of University of Montana Archives and Special Collections. (See photograph 85.0102)
1916
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Plate 47b: North Fork of Big Hole River toward Battle Mountain
64 years later. Willows appear to be more dense and Douglas-fir are invading what was formerly an open slope. The sparse appearance in upper branches of the sniper trees is the result of dieback. Mountain big sagebrush has increased in density. Fire scar evidence in this locality (Pierce 1982; Arno and Gruell 1983) suggests that prior to 1900, wildfire swept these slopes on the average of about every 35 years. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0101)
June 25, 1980
1/4 85-0103
Plate 48a: Grasshopper Creek below Bannack, Montana
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,800 ft (1,768 m). Looking south-southeast across Grasshopper Creek from west bank about 1 mile below Bannack, Montana. Occasion is dedication of Maggie A. Gibson dredge. Wood supply for powering dredge suggests that logging was intense in this locality. Limber pine occupy upper slope at left. Distant slopes at right-center support an association of Douglas-fir, limber pine, Rocky Mountain juniper and curlleaf mountain mahogany. These slopes show evidence of a wildfire in the late 1800s. Photograph courtesy of Montana Historical Society. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0104)
circa 1890-1900
1/4 85-0104
Plate 48b: Grasshopper Creek below Bannack, Montana
About 80-90 years later. Stream course is now covered by willow and other shrubs. Sagebrush has revegetated dredge tailings. Conifer cover on distant slopes has increased. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0103)
July 9, 1981
1/4 85-0105
Plate 49a: Bannack, Montana
Mahogany Fire Group. Elevation 5,800 ft (1,768 m). Northeast view of Bannack City, Montana. The open slopes above town support sagebrush/grass. Dark shrubs on near ridge are curlleaf mountain mahogany. Patchy distribution of conifer shows effects of logging and fire. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks photograph, courtesy of Roy Herseth. (See photograph 85.0106)
1880
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Plate 49b: Bannack, Montana
About 100 years later. Mature cottonwood, willow, and other riparian vegetation now dominate Grasshopper Creek bottomland, while Bannack is a remnant of its former self. Mahogany stands have increased in density on deep soils, as have conifers. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks photograph by Roy Herseth. (See photograph 85.0105)
May 1981
1/4 85-0107
Plate 50a: Rattlesnake Cliffs southwest of Dillon, Montana
Sagebrush/Grass Fire Group. Elevation 5,300 ft (1,616 m). The camera faces northeast towards Rattlesnake cliffs and site now occupied by Interstate 15 rest stop about 10 miles southwest from Dillon, Montana. Scene shows a grassland dominated landscape that appears to be closely grazed. Sagebrush can be seen on lower rocky slopes in distance on left, and inside fenced pasture. Cottonwood predominate in bottomlands along the Beaverhead River. W. H. Jackson photograph, courtesy of Yellowstone National Park. (See photograph 85.0108)
1871
1/4 85-0108
Plate 50b: Rattlesnake Cliffs southwest of Dillon, Montana
110 years later. Livestock grazing and absence of wildfire in this locality has allowed sagebrush to invade foreground and flats outside of fenced fields. Sagebrush cover on lower slopes at left appears to have increased markedly. Valley bottom (background, right) has been altered by construction of highway and rest stop. Foreground and midground were not affected by this work. Cottonwood in distance have grown and expanded their coverage. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0107)
August 8, 1981
1/4 85-0109
Plate 51a: Snowline Ranch east of Lima, Montana
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,000 ft (2,012 m). The camera faces south-southwest from a position near the Snowline Ranch 7.3 miles east of Lima, Montana, on Interstate 15. Lima Peaks are at right. Herbaceous vegetaion dominates the foreground, while a stringer of willows line stream course in midground. Scattered sagebrush plants are evident on flats beyond willows. Tree cover on distant slopes is an association of Douglas-fir and aspen in early succession. Fire scar samples from Douglas-fir stand (arrow) indicate 4 wildfires from 1762 to 1890 (Arno and Gruell 1983). USGS photograph 57 by W. H. Jackson. (See photograph 85.0110)
1871
1/4 85-0110
Plate 51b: Snowline Ranch east of Lima, Montana
110 years later. Railroad right-of-way and Snowline Ranch now occupy valley bottom. Fire's absence since 1890 has allowed Douglas-fir to develop and displace several aspen. Aspen communities on lower slopes at right and at right-center of photo (open arrow) have matured. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0109)
June 2, 1981
1/4 85-0111
Plate 52a: Deep Creek, Beaverhead Mountains in distance
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 7,900 ft (2,409 m). Looking south across Deep Creek at Beaverhead Mountains in distance. Camera point is on ridge above conifer stand indicated by arrow in Plate 51a. North slopes of Deep Creek support Douglas-fir. Though not readily apparent, conifers on far slopes show the effect of past fires. Some stands contain few trees, while other stands are small, being separated by large openings. USGS Photograph 56 by W. H. Jackson. (See photograph 85.0112)
1871
1/4 85-0112
Plate 52b: Deep Creek, Beaverhead Mountains in distance
110 years later. Douglas-fir shows a marked increase in density along Deep Creek and on the distant slopes of the Beaverhead Mountains. Sites that formerly supported few or no conifers are now covered by dense stands. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0111)
1981
1/4 85-0113
Plate 53a: Pleasant Valley south of Monida Pass
Sagebrush/Grass Fire Group. Elevation 6,400 ft (1,951 m). Camera faces southwest up Pleasant Valley Creek from ridge located on west side of Interstate 15, 8.4 miles south of Monida Pass. Patch of sagebrush in foreground shows evidence of recent fire. Homestead at left, road, and telegraph poles attest to early settlement. Note open character of slopes in distance at right. Fire scars from group of conifers at right (arrow) showed 4 fires between 1777 and 1853, with a mean fire interval of 21 years (Arno and Gruell 1983). USGS photograph 55 by W. H. Jackson. (See photograph 85.0114)
1871
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Plate 53b: Pleasant Valley south of Monida Pass
110 years later. Camera point has been altered by highway construction. Homestead has been removed and road in valley is no longer used by interstate travelers between Idaho and Montana. A long period with little or no fire has allowed growth of scattered Douglas-fir and aspen communities. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0113)
August 15, 1981
1/4 85-0115
Plate 54a: Blacktail Deer Creek above Whiskey Springs
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 7,000 ft (2,134 m). The camera faces east-southeast at a point on upper Blacktail Deer Creek approximately 1.5 miles above Whiskey Springs. Flat area in foreground and midground supports herbaceous plants in association with scattered sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush. Slopes in distance show effects of past fires, particularly the drier southwest exposure at right where fire-scarred snags bore evidence of 2 early fires. USGS photograph 2016 by W. C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0116)
September 19, 1928
1/4 85-0116
Plate 54b: Blacktail Deer Creek above Whiskey Springs
53 years later. Flat effects of heavy livestock grazing. Sagebrush stand on toe slope at left has expanded down slope. In distance, aspen have matured in canyon bottom. Closure of Douglas-fir and limber pine canopy has resulted in loss of Scouler willow, aspen, snowberry, and buffaloberry. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0115)
June 23, 1981
1/4 85-0117
Plate 55a: Teddy Creek and Price's Creek tributaries of Blacktail Deer Creek
Fire Group 1: Dry limber pine. Elevation 6,800 ft (2,073 m). Camera is facing north-northeast from a position on low ridge separating the Teddy Creek and Prices Creek tributaries of Blakctail Deer Creek. This locality is in Price's Canyon in the Blacktail Mountains south of Dillon, Montana. Ridge in foreground supports perennial grasses and scattered sagebrush. Based on present species composition, streambottom vegetation (open arrow) in midground-right was primarily comprised of Great Basin wild-rye and rose. Dark shrubs (closed arrow) at right are willows. Note distribution of conifers in distance. Fire-scattered trees in this locality indicated at least 5 fires from 1588 to 1877 (Arno and Gruell 1983). USGS photograph 902 by W. H. Jackson. (See photograph 85.0118)
1872
1/4 85-0118
Plate 55b: Teddy Creek and Price's Creek tributaries of Blacktail Deer Creek
109 years later. Camera point was moved about 30 feet north to avoid screen of Rocky Mountain juniper and limber pine. Sagebrush density has increased on ridge in foreground, bottomland, and on slopes. Conifers now occupy sites in foreground and midground that were formerly treeless. Limber pine and Douglas-fir density in distance have increased markedly. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0117)
July 8, 1981
1/4 85-0119
Plate 56a: Continental Divide north or Red Rock Pass
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 7,200 ft (2,195 m). An east-southeast view toward the Continental Divide from a point on the Targhee National Forest 0.25 miles north of Red Rock Pass. The widespread distribution of snags and early successional vegetation indicates a wildfire several decades earlier. USGS photograph 2017 by W. C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0120)
September 20, 1928
1/4 85-0120
Plate 56b: Continental Divide north or Red Rock Pass
53 years later. Snag at lower left is same one pictured in original view. Shrubs in foreground and midground are primarily sagebrush and snowberry. Aspen stands have matured and Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine have largely developed into dense stands. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0119)
June 25, 1981
1/4 85-0121
Plate 57a: Sawtell Peak southwest of Henry's Lake
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,500 ft (1,982 m). A south-southwest view of Sawtell Peak from valley floor approximately 2.5 miles southwest of Henry's Lake. Perennial grasses and sagebrush occupy bottomlands. Snags and differences in conifer growth patterns indicate past wildfires. USGS photograph 2018 by W. C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0122)
September 20, 1928
1/4 85-0122
Plate 57b: Sawtell Peak southwest of Henry's Lake
53 years later. Lack of reference points in foreground and midground precluded close duplication of original camera point. Openings and sparsely vegetated sites evident on far slopes in 1928 are now covered by lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and aspen. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0121)
June 25, 1981
1/4 85-0123
Plate 58a: North end of Henry's Lake
Sagebrush/Grass Fire Group. Elevation 6,700 ft (2,043 m). Looking west-southwest across the north end of Henry's Lake, Idaho, from the lower slopes near site now occupied by Wildrose Guest Ranch. Ground cover in the foreground appears to be an association of herbs and scattered snowberry plants. The dark, clustered plant seems to be a woody-based forb. Aspen in various successional stages are evident adjacent to the lake. Far slopes show thinning effect of past fires on conifers. USGS photograph 178 by W. H. Jackson. (See photograph 85.0124)
1872
1/4 85-0124
Plate 58b: North end of Henry's Lake
109 years later. Foreground now supports a dense mountain big sagebrush stand. Associated vegetation includes scattered snowberry that is being outcompeted by sagebrush, Idaho fescue, bluebench wheatgrass and other perennial grasses and forbs. At right, aspen growth screens former view. Lake level was raised about 15 feet for irrigation purposes. In distance, aspen stands have matured, while Douglas-fir density has increased markedly. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0123)
June 25, 1981
1/4 85-0125
Plate 59a: Sawtell's Ranch below Black Mountain
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,500 ft (1,982 m). Looking north toward Black Mountain from Sawtell's ranch on west side of Henry's Lake. Site is now occupied by Staley Springs Resort. Extreme right midground shows bottomlands before the level of Henry's Lake was raised. Foothills in distance support open Douglas-fir stands. Fire-scarred trees in this locality show a mean fire interval of 56 years or less (Arno and Gruell 1983). 4 fires occurred from 1694 to 1862. USGS photograph 180 by W. H. Jackson. (See photograph 85.0126)
1872
1/4 85-0126
Plate 59b: Sawtell's Ranch below Black Mountain
109 years later. Original view was screened by cabins, making it necessary to move camera north. Lake now covers low lying areas at right. Absence of fire for over 100 years has allowed development of dense Douglas-fir on the lower slopes. The once open slopes above, which were formerly kept free of conifers by fire, are now supporting scattered Douglas-fir. Photographs are not sharp enough to allow comparison of sagebrush cover on distant benchlands. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0125)
July 31, 1981
1/4 85-0127
Plate 60a: Papoose Creek toward the Madison Range, Montana
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 7,400 ft (2,256 m). Looking north across Papoose Creek (midground) toward the Madison Range, southeast of Cameron on the Beaverhead National Forest. Scene shows dense stand of spruce and Douglas-fir in moist bottom. Adjacent slopes support scattered Douglas-fir and young aspen. Analysis of fire scars in this locality shows 4 fires prior to 1866, with a mean fire interval of 49 years. (Arno and Gruell 1983). USGS photograph 1890 by W. C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0128)
September 22, 1927
1/4 85-0128
Plate 60b: Papoose Creek toward the Madison Range, Montana
54 years later. Camera was moved approximately 50 yards down ridge to the only view that was not fully screened by growth of trees. The absence of fire has favored proliferation of Douglas-fir. Field inspection revealed that aspen stands have deteriorated because of competition from Douglas-fir and absence of fire's rejuvenating influence. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0127)
June 24, 1981
1/4 85-0129
Plate 61a: Bear Creek Ranger Station
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,400 ft (1,951 m). Looking south-southeast toward the Madison Range from a bench above the old Bear Creek Ranger Station, Beaverhead National Forest. Young Douglas-fir and aspen seem to be the result of wildfire during the late 1800s. USFS photograph 331280 by K.D. Swan. (See photograph 85.0130)
1936
1/4 85-0130
Plate 61b: Bear Creek Ranger Station
43 years later. Openings formerly occupied by aspen are now dominated by Douglas-fir. Where aspen have not been in competition with conifers, aspen stands have matured and are in good condition. Note growth of aspen clone at lower left. Photograph by W.J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0129)
August 29, 1979
1/4 85-0131
Plate 62a: Romy Lake
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,900 ft (2,104 m). Looking north across Romy Lake with the Gravelly Range in the background, near headwters of Warm Spring Creek in the Beaverhead National Forest. Lake shoreline and flats in distance are covered by large willows. Note young conifers on lower and distant slopes. Young aspen suggest previous disturbance by wildfire. USGS photograph 201 by D.D. Condit. (See photograph 85.0132)
1914
1/5 85-0132
Plate 62b: Romy Lake
66 years later. Raising of the lake level apparently killed willows. On the flats in the distance, willows are smaller than in 1914. Douglas-fir and other conifers have regenerated in the large opening beyond lake. Competition from conifers has resulted in deterioration and die off of aspen on various sites. The opening at right-center is a clearcut made during a 1962 timber sale. Photograph by W.J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0131)
July 8, 1980
1/5 85-0133
Plate 63a: Ruby River and Gravelly Range near Vigilante Station
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,500 ft (1,982 m). Looking east from the Lewis Creek bench toward the Ruby River and Gravelly Range, near Vigilante Station, Beaverhead National Forest. Douglas-fir is invading sagebrush on near slopes at left. Young aspen stands predominate on Lewis Creek (lower) and Badger Creek (center). Drier aspects in distance support Rocky Mountain juniper and limber pine, while Douglas-fir occupies cooler sites. Fire-scarred trees and a stump on Bader and Lewis Creeks show a mean fire interval of 27 years based on 6 fires from 1734 to 1871 (Arno and Guell 1983). USFS photograph 330732 by Lincoln Ellison. (See photograph 85.0134)
August 1936
1/5 85-0134
Plate 63b: Ruby River and Gravelly Range near Vigilante Station
45 years later. Douglas-fir now dominates both the sagebrush on the near slope and the aspen in the drainages. Distant slopes show increase in tree cover on both dry and moist sites. Photograph by G.E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0133)
June 2, 1981
1/5 85-0135
Plate 64a: Ruby River east of Ruby Dam
Juniper Fire Group. Elevation 5,500 ft (1,677 m). View is north-northwest across the Ruby River from a point just east of the Ruby Dam, southeast of Sheridan, Montana. Vegetation along stream bottom includes willow, water birch, currant, and young cottonwood. The southeast facing slopes in distance support an association of Rocky Mountain juniper and limber pine. Mountain big sagebrush occupies the deeper soils, while black sagebrush is confined to the more shallow drowthy soils. The limestone outcrops support curlleaf mountain mahogany. USGS photograph 1584 by J.T. Pardee. (See photograph 85.0136)
July 5, 1940
1/5 85-0136
Plate 64b: Ruby River east of Ruby Dam
40 years later. Road reconstruction made it necessary to elevate camera position. Trees and shrubs on flood plain at left in Plate 64a were cleared. Those that were not removed have grown considerably. Sagebrush on far slope has increased in size and density as has mahogany. Rocky Mountain junier is slowly increasing its presence in these harsh sites. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0135)
July 8, 1980
1/5 85-0137
Plate 65a: Tobacco Root Range from Sheridan, Montana
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,100 ft (1,555 m). Looking east-northeast toward the Tobacco Root Range from Sheridan, Montana. Drainage on left is Indian Creek. Except for conifers on Skihi Peak at left, tree cover is sparse and largely confined to the stepper slopes, ridges, and rocky outcrops that allowed some protection from wildfire. Photograph courtesy of T.J. Darby, Sheridan. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0138)
circa 1903-1907
1/5 85-0138
Plate 65b: Tobacco Root Range from Sheridan, Montana
About 75 years later. Douglas-fir and Rocky Mountain juniper have regenerated profusely. Localities that formerly supported sparse conifer stands are now densely stocked. Field inspection led to the conclusion that Douglas-fir and juniper have invaded sites that formerly were treeless because of frequent wildfires. Fire intervals of 31 years were documented by Arno and Gruell (1983) for the lower slopes immediately east of those in vew. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0137)
September 3, 1980
1/5 85-0139
Plate 66a: Alder Gulch below Nevada City, Montana
Juniper Fire Group. Elevation 4,600 ft (1,402 m). Looking west across Alder Gulch and Cowrey Dredge No. 1 at point approximately 3 miles below Nevada City, Montana. Canyon bottom has been much disturbed by dredging for gold. Southeast slopes in distance support Rocky Mountain juniper, perennial grass, and scattered sagebrush. Photograph courtesy of Montana Historical Society. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0140)
circa 1900
1/5 85-0140
Plate 66b: Alder Gulch below Nevada City, Montana
About 81 years later. Heavily disturbed riparian bottoms have shown remarkable recovery and currently support an excellent mix of wildlife cover plants. Junipers on far slope have increased in number and size. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0139)
June 24, 1981
1/5 85-0141
Plate 67a: Boothill above Virginia City, Montana
Sagebrush/Grass Fire Group. Elevation 5,800 ft (1,768 m). The camera faces north from Boothill above Virginia City, Montana. Graves are those of 5 members of Henry Plummer's road agents, who were hanged by the vigilantes in 1864. Shrubs in foreground are mountain big sagebrush. The near slope has a smooth appearance and is apparently covered by perennial grasses. A few groups of mountain big sagebrush as well as scattered plants are also present on this slope. USFS photograph by K. D. Swan. (See photograph 85.0142)
1924
1/5 85-0142
Plate 67b: Boothill above Virginia City, Montana
56 years later. Grading and remonumenting graves resulted in displacement of soil in foreground. Note change in location of grave markers. Near slope shows a marked increase in the density of sagebrush. Understory plants are predominantly bluebunch wheatgrass. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0141)
July 9, 1980
1/5 85-0143
Plate 68a1: Alder Gulch above Virginia City, Montana
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,000 ft (1,829 m). An east-northeast view up Alder Gulch 2.2 miles above Virginia City, Montana. Placer mining following discovery of gold in 1863 has resulted in a marked change in canyon bottom. The open south-facing slope at left supports a few mature Rocky Mountain juniper in rock outcrops. Juniper and Douglas-fir regeneration is evident. Bluebunch wheatgrass is the predominate grass cover. Conifers on north-facing slope at right are Douglas-fir. Stumps in area indicate light cutting of trees. Wildfires had been relatively frequent in this locality. Examination of 2 fire-scattered stumps showed evidence of 4 fires before 1871. Photograph by W. H. Jackson, courtesy of Montana Historical Society. (See photograph 85.0144)
1871
1/5 85-0143a
Plate 68a2: Alder Gulch above Virginia City, Montana
Alternative framing of Plate 68a1 (See photograph 85.0143)
1871
1/5 85-0144
Plate 68b: Alder Gulch above Virginia City, Montana
110 years later. The large Douglas-fir in foreground-left (arrow) is the same pictured in the original scene. Regeneration of Douglas-fir and Rocky Mountain juniper on this slope has produced a marked change. Canyon bottom now supports various shrubs and trees, including aspen, narrow leaf cottonwood, willow, and chokecherry. North slope is densely covered by Douglas-fir. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0143)
July 28, 1981
1/5 85-0145
Plate 69a: Bradley Creek Drainage south of Norris, Montana
Fire group 1: Dry limber pine. Elevation 5,200 ft (1,585 m). A north-northwest view in Bradley Creek drainage on U.S Highway 287 approximately 4 miles south of Norris, Montana. Scene shows team that was hauling machinery. Vegetation in foreground appears to have been heavily grazed by livestock. Willows and aspen line the stream behind horses, while Rocky Mountain juniper and limber pine of varying age occupy dry southerly sloeps in distance. Photograph courtesy of Montana Historical Society. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0146)
August 20, 1901
1/5 85-0146
Plate 69b: Bradley Creek Drainage south of Norris, Montana
80 years later. Foreground is in fenced pasture. Aspen clone at left has regenerated from suckers. Conifers are more dense, and skunkbush on lower slope at upper-center have increased in size (arrow). The absence of livestock grazing as of July 29, 1981, had allowed a more or less continuous complex of grassy fuels. Photograph by G.E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0145)
July 29, 1981
1/5 85-0147
Plate 70a: Madison River at Beartrap Recreational Area
Mahogany fire group. Elevation 4,500 ft (1,372 m). Looking south-southeast across the Madison River at a point .3 miles below present Highway 84 bridge crossing at Beartrap recreational area. Conifers in distance are largely Douglas-fir. Some limber pine and Rocky Mountain juniper are also present. Curlleaf mountain mahogany are restricted to rocky outcrops. USGS photograph 911 by W. H. Jackson. (See photograph 85.0148)
1871
1/5 85-0148
Plate 70b: Madison River at Beartrap Recreational Area
111 years later. Logging in the late 1800s and the absence of fire allowed mahogany to proliferate. Note the large stand at right (arrow) that is growing on a site formerly dominated by conifers. Douglas-fir, juniper, and scattered limber pine also regenerated following cutting and are now outcompeting mahogany, shrubbrush, and other vegetation on many sites. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0147)
August 31, 1982
1/5 85-0149
Plate 71a: Elkhorn, Montana
Fire group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,600 ft (2,012 m). The camera faces northeast from a point high on the slope above Elkhorn, an early mining town in the Elkhorn Mountains of west-central Montana. Adjacent slopes are in early succession following logging and wildfire in the late 1800s. USGS photograph 66 by R. H. Chapman. (See photograph 85.0150)
1901
1/5 85-0150
Plate 71b: Elkhorn, Montana
80 years later. Camera has been elevated to an opening on a ridge that allows a partial view of original scene. Dense Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine now cover most of the area that was formerly open. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0149)
September 3, 1981
1/5 85-0151
Plate 72a: Madison River Canyon near outlet of Cabin Creek
Fire group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,400 ft (1,951 m). From Madison River Canyon at site now occupied by Campfire Lodge Resort (below Hebgen Lake), the view is north-northeast towards outlet of Cabin Creek. Mountain big sagebrush dominates flats. Toe slope at left supports a multi-aged aspen stand. Fallen snags and sizes of young conifers on toe slope and lower part of opposite slope indicate a wildfire swet this locality several decades earlier. Increment cores from Douglas-fir suggest that trees on lower slope and bottom become established following a fire in about 1840. Trees on right apparently died following insect attacts. USGS photograph 230 by W. H. Jackson. (See photograph 85.0152)
1872
1/5 85-0152
Plate 72b: Madison River Canyon near outlet of Cabin Creek
109 years later. Campfire Lodge Resort in Madison River Canyon. Structures made it necessary to move camera to left of original position. Canyon bottom shows evidence of having been cultivated earlier. Smooth brome and fireweed comprise a significant portion of lush herb cover that includes little sagebrush. The aspen present in earlier view is deteriorating because of competition from the maturing Douglas-fir forest. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0151)
July 15, 1981
1/5 85-0153
Plate 73a: Gallatin Canyon above Squaw Creek junction with Gallatin River
Fire Group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 5,600 ft (1,707 m). Looking west into the Gallatin Canyon from a point on Sqaw Creek 1.5 miles above its confluence with the Gallatin River. Lower east-facing slope in distance and canyon bottom supports many shrubs and young aspen. Young conifers are also conspicuous. This area burned around 1890. USFS photograph 209839 by K. D. Swan. (See photograph 85.0154)
1926
1/5 85-0154
Plate 73b: Gallatin Canyon above Squaw Creek junction with Gallatin River
53 years later. Camera point was moved forward approximately 30 feet to avoid juniper and Douglas-fir that screened original view. Mature cottonwoods now partially obscure view of far slope where Rocky Mountain juniper and Douglas-fir are outcompeting aspen, willow, and other tall deciduous shrubs and herbs. Photograph by W. J. Reich. (See photograph 85.0153)
August 29, 1979
1/5 85-0155
Plate 74a: South fork of Spanish Creek
Fire group 6: Moist Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,100 ft (1,860 m). Looking south-southeast across the south fork of Spanish Creek from a point 1.5 miles north of the Gallatin National Forest boundary. Open slopes in foreground and midground support herbaceous plants in association with scattered shrubs including chokecherry, rose, and mountain big sagebrush. Aspen predominates along Spanish Creek and below conifers in distance. Young conifers and mosaics in various localities indicate an early stage of succession following wildfire. USGS photograph 2185 by W. C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0156)
July 8, 1931
1/5 85-0156
Plate 74b: South fork of Spanish Creek
50 years later. Boulders visible in 1931 scene are largely obscured by vegetation that had not bee grazed by livestock at the time of the retake. Sagebrush has increased. The large aspen stand at left-midground has deteriorated, but root suckering has allowed regeneration in portions of the stand where aspen losses allowed increased sunlight. Considerable loss of aspen has occurred in stands across river (arrow) and on other sites where it is seral to conifers. The absence of fire for many years has allowed Douglas-fir to form dense stands on distant slopes, which still show evidence of early fire mosaics. Photograph by G. E. Gruell. (See photograph 85.0155)
July 28, 1981
1/5 85-0157
Plate 75a: Mystic Lake Dam Site east of Red Lodge, Montana
Custer National Forest. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0158)
1871
1/5 85-0158
Plate 75b: Mystic Lake Dam Site east of Red Lodge, Montana
110 years later. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0157)
1981
1/5 85-0159
Plate 76a: Gallatin County, Montana
Fire Group 4: Warm-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 4,900 ft (1,494 m). The camera faces northeast towards Fort Ellis, formerly located approximately 3 miles east of Bozeman, Montana. A few mature Douglas-fir and limber pine occupy scattered sites on near slopes behind fort. Young conifers are also evident in the vicinity of these older trees. The patchy distribution of conifers on Bridger Mountains in distance reflects effects of cutting and wildfires. Photograph by M. H. Duane, courtesy of Montana Historical Society. (See photograph 85.0160)
circa 1894
1/5 85-0160
Plate 76b: Gallatin County, Montana
87 years later. Site of Fort Ellis is now occupied by Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. Closest slopes show a considerable change in occupancy and growth of conifers. Conifer encroachment is also evident in Bridger Mountains, particularly on the smoother slopes below the 2 peaks at right of photo (arrow). Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0159)
July 18, 1981
1/5 85-0161
Plate 77a: Bozeman Pass east of Bozeman, Montana
On Interstate 90 about 6 miles east of Bozemen. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0162)
circa 1903-1904
1/5 85-0162
Plate 77b: Bozeman Pass east of Bozeman, Montana
About 78 years later. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0161)
1981
1/5 85-0163
Plate 78a: Yellowstone River south of Livingston, Montana
Fire Group 5: Cool-dry Douglas-fir. Elevation 6,200 ft (1,890 m). High on the slopes above the Yellowstone River 10 miles southeast of Livingston, the view is east towards the head of Suce Creek. Snags and age of young limber pine on near slope indicate locality was swept by wildfire several decades earlier. Based on present plant composition, ground cover was apparently dominated by Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass. Fire mosaics are evident in distance. W. H. Jackson photograph 57-HS-1213, courtesy of National Archives. (See photograph 85.0164)
1871
1/5 85-0164
Plate 78b: Yellowstone River south of Livingston, Montana
110 years later. A dense stand of Douglas-fir, limber pine, and Rocky Mountain juniper now occupies near slope shown in original view. The grass cover on this slope has been largely eliminated by tree canopy closure. Camera was moved approximately 100 yards down slope to allow unobstructed view of distant slopes. Tree cover on distant slopes has increased dramatically. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0163)
July 27, 1981
1/5 85-0165
Plate 79a: Suce Creek Tributary of Yellowstone River, Montana
Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0166)
1911
1/6 85-0166
Plate 79b: Suce Creek Tributary of Yellowstone River, Montana
70 years later. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0165)
1981
1/6 85-0167
Plate 80a: Coal-Mine Rims south of McLeod, Montana
Juniper Fire Group. Elevation 5,000 ft (1,524 m). Looking northwest at the Coal-Mine Rims area on State Highway 298, 4 miles south of McLeod, Montana. Perennial grasses predominate in foreground and midground, while the dry southeast facing slopes support sagebrush, common juniper, and scattered limber pine. USGS photograph 73 by W. R. Calvert. (See photograph 85.0168)
1909
1/6 85-0168
Plate 80b: Coal-Mine Rims south of McLeod, Montana
About 72 years later. Camera point does not precisely duplicate original. Scene shows strong encroachment of sagebrush on the flats and some encroachment on the near slopes. Common juniper and limber pine have increased. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0167)
July 20, 1981
1/6 85-0169
Plate 81a: Rocky Creek Canyon south of Red Lodge, Montana
Fire Group 1: Dry limber pine. Elevation 6,100 ft (1,860 m). A north-northeast view across Rocky Creek Canyon 5 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana. Aspen, cottonwood, chokecherry, willow, and other deciduous shrubs and trees predominate along drainage. Slopes below rock outcrop on left and beyond creek at right support perennial grasses, sagebrush, and scattered limber pine. USGS photograph 1158 by W. C. Alden. (See photograph 85.0170)
September 16, 1921
1/6 85-0170
Plate 81b: Rocky Creek Canyon south of Red Lodge, Montana
60 years later. Camera point was moved across US Highway 212 in order to avoid trees which screened original view. Deciduous vegetation along stream course is being replaced by Douglas-fir and spruce, while slopes in distance at left and beyond Rock Creek show a significant increase in density of limber pine. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0169)
July 8, 1981
1/6 85-0171
Plate 82a: Mouth of Bighorn Canyon west of Fort Smith, Montana
A herd of cattle can be seen in the center of the photograph. Several riders are on the edges of the herd. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0172)
1920
1/6 85-0172
Plate 82b: Mouth of Bighorn Canyon west of Fort Smith, Montana
About 61 years later. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0171)
1981
1/6 85-0173
Plate 83a: Little Bighorn River near Little Bighorn Battlefield
Sagebrush/Grass Fire Group. Elevation 3,100 ft (945 m). A north-northeast view of Major Reno's retreat crossing of the Little Bighorn River adjacent to Little Bighorn Battlefield. Young cottonwood trees occupy foreground. Bottomland shrub cover appears to be predominately Wyoming big sagebrush, while slopes support Rocky Mountain juniper and shrubs. Photograph 111 SC 94056 by J. F. Berry, courtesy of National Archives. (See photograph 85.0174)
June 25, 1886
1/6 85-0174
Plate 83b: Little Bighorn River near Little Bighorn Battlefield
95 years later. Camera is on edge of cultivated field behind original camera point. A few cottonwoods in foreground grew into large trees. Sagebrush continue to predominate on bottomland. Vegetation of slopes appears much the same except for establishment of juniper in draws. Photograph by R. F. Wall. (See photograph 85.0173)
July 2, 1981
1/6 85-0175
Plate 84a: Little Bighorn Battlefield
Posts marking locations where US soldiers died during the Battle of Little Bighorn. This battle is also known by the Lakota and other Plains Indians as the Battle of the Greasy Grass. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0176)
1886
1/6 85-0176
Plate 84b: Little Bighorn Battlefield
95 years later. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0175)
1981
1/6 85-0177
Plate 85a: Ekalaka Hills in Carter County, Montana
Ekalaka Hills, 1 mile north of A. Peabody Ranch, Montana. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0178)
1946
1/6 85-0178
Plate 85b: Ekalaka Hills in Carter County, Montana
35 years later. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0177)
1981
1/6 85-0179
Plate 86a: Russell Creek Valley in Carter County, Montana
Lantis sawmill 6 miles south of Ekalaka, Montana. Logs and lumber are stacked near the wood-frame buildings. A large mound of what appears to be sawdust, taller than the sawmill building, can be seen. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0180)
1917
1/6 85-0180
Plate 86b: Russell Creek Valley in Carter County, Montana
64 years later. Former site of Lantis sawmill. All signs of the sawmill appear to be gone, and the area is covered with grass. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0179)
1981
1/6 85-0181
Tributary to Blacktail Creek, Price's Canyon
Beaverhead County, Montana. USGS photograph by W. H. Jackson.
1871
1/6 85-0182
Tributary to Blacktail Creek, Price's Canyon
Beaverhead County, Montana. USGS photograph by W. H. Jackson.
1871
1/6 85-0183
Tributary to Blacktail Creek, Price's Canyon
Beaverhead County, Montana. USGS photograph by W. H. Jackson.
1871
1/6 85-0185
Black Canyon on the Clearwater River
Clearwater River, Idaho. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0184)
1941
1/6 85-0184
Black Canyon on the Clearwater River
41 years later. Photographer unknown. (See photograph 85.0185)
1982
1/6 85-0186
Virginia City, Montana
Looking east across Daylight Creek towards town. Treeless hills can be seen around town. USGS photograph by W. H. Jackson.
1871
1/6 85-0187
Blackfoot Reservation
Glacier County, Montana. Photographer unknown.
circa 1898
1/6 85-0188
Sun River Valley
Cascade County, Montana. Cabin and pack horses. Photographer unknown.
1898

Series II:  Prints, 1865-1981Return to Top

49 photographs
Items within this series are organized by photo number assigned by Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections.
Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder photo_number
1/7 770.001
Anaconda locality, Montana.
Valley floor and mountains near Anaconda, Montana. Photograph by W. C. Alden.
1865
1/7 770.002
Kirkendall Freight outfits in Prickly Pear Canyon. Diamond R Outfit.
Area located between Wolf Creek and Helena, Montana, shows several covered wagons and horse teams. Photographer is unknown.
1869
1/7 770.003
Ruby River, Montana
A wide, flat river valley and several canvas wall tents in Madison County in southwest Montana. Photograph titled "Camp on the Stinking Water" by W. H. Jackson.
1871
1/7 770.004
Anaconda locality, Montana.
A large mountain valley with many dead or burned trees and large rocky mountains in the distance. Photograph by F. C. Calkins.
1878
1/7 770.005
Fort Logan, Montana.
Fort Logan buildings and surrounding landscape with several people on horseback and standing in the foreground. Photographer is unknown.
1880
1/7 770.006
Located possibly by Canyon Ferry Big Belt country or Helmville, Mineral Hill, Avon country, Montana.
Low-built log home with several people outside and hills and cliffs in the background. Note on back also says "C. K. Dalton Collections." Photographer is unknown.
circa 1880
1/7 770.007
Black Canyon
Distinctive landscape of high cliffs and numerous dead or burned trees possibly located on the Crow Reservation, Montana. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1880 - 1890
1/7 770.008
Black Canyon
Similar landscape to 770.007 and 770.009 but looking along the bottom of the canyon with numerous burned trees towards high cliffs in the distance, possibly on the Crow Reservation, Montana. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1880 - 1890
1/7 770.009
Black Canyon
Similar landscape to 770.007 and 770.008 but looking from the bottom of the canyon towards trees and a small side canyon, possibly on the Crow Reservation, Montana.. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1880 - 1890
1/7 770.010
Fort Missoula, Montana
Photograph of Fort Missoula taken from the old settler's store. Photograph shows buildings and open valley leading to hills in the distance looking southeast towards Pattee Canyon. Photographer is unknown.
1886
1/7 770.011
Anaconda locality, Montana
A valley with trees, a bare, rocky hillside in the distance and a bridge. Photograph by F. C. Calkins.
1889
1/7 770.012
Old hotel at what is now Medicine Hot Springs, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana.
Large wooden building and smaller outbuildings. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1890
1/7 770.013
Anaconda locality, Montana
Valley full of stumps and dead or burned trees and mountains in the distance. A small log cabin and pond are visible in the lower right part of the photograph. Photograph by F. C. Calkins.
1889
1/7 770.014
Anaconda locality, Montana
A mostly bare and rocky hillside. Photograph by F. C. Calkins.
1892
1/7 770.015
Sula Basin (Ross's Hole)
A valley floor with haystacks and cows. Note on back of photograph reads: "Original CP on top of rock outcrop near Sula store. Tree obscures part of view." Photographer is unknown.
1897
1/7 770.016
The first crop of hay oats on Rattlesnake Flat.
Jim Lord sharpening a large scythe. Location is noted as being across from the Moosehead Museum, Sula, Montana. Photograph by Bertie Lord.
1899
1/7 770.017
Hassel Mining Camp at Indian Creek, Broadwater County, Montana
A small settlement in a valley with few trees surrounded by rolling hills. Photographer is unknown.
1899
1/8 770.018
Limestone cliff, north side of mouth of canyon on the North Fork of the Sun River, Teton County, Montana.
From note on photograph: "Quality of print makes this picture hard to identify for certain. I believe it to be west side of Big George Gulch named for early day homesteader Big George Mathews, homesteader and trapper. Section 17, T22N, R9W." Photograph by C. D. Walcott.
1900
1/8 770.019
Haystack Butte from the north. Lewis and Clark County, Montana.
Photograph by C. D. Walcott.
1900
1/8 770.020
Little Badger Creek, Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana..
Wooded creek drainage and large mountains in the distance. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1900.
1/8 770.021
Bertie Lord Homestead.
"Finetta Lord on the porch." Moosehead Museum, Sula, Montana. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1900
1/8 770.022
Logging on McCoy Gulch, Davis Ranch.
"Ole Berge and Jake Frazier with team." Horse teams and people, likely in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1900
1/8 770.023
Big Belt Mountains, Montana.
View of the northern part of the Big Belt Mountains, at the head of Beaver Creek, about 10 miles from the Missouri River. Cascade County, Montana. Photograph by C. D. Walcott.
1900
1/8 770.024
Shale cliffs near Wolf Creek, Montana.
Cliffs of banded arenaceous shales of Spokane formation, Belt Terrace, Wolf Creek, two miles below Mitchell. Lewis and Clark County, Montana. Photograph by C. D. Walcott.
1900
1/8 770.025
City Creek Canyon lumbering operation.
Loggers, horseteams and a small lumbering operation in a small draw with conifer, willow, sagebrush and other shrubs. Probably located in Clearwater County, Idaho. Photographer is unknown.
1902
1/8 770.026
Mike Gosh Mill, Maiden, Montana.
Lumber yard and small mill located in Fergus County. Photograph by George Carolus.
1903
1/8 770.027
Bertha Hill lookout cabin, Clearwater County, Idaho.
1906
1/8 770.028
Log Jam
Log jam at what is now called Elbow Gorge, Teton County, Montana. Fort Gibson Reservoir, Lewis and Clark National Forest. Photographer is unknown.
August 1908
1/8 770.029
Hansen Valley, near Great Falls, Montana.
circa 1910
1/8 770.030
Perkins Lake, Idaho.
circa 1911
1/8 770.031
Elkhorn, Montana.
View of Elkhorn, Montana, showing the valley, settlement and mining operation. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1915
1/8 770.032
New Jersey Consolidated near Kellog and Couer d'alene, Idaho.
King of Pine Creek Mine. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1915 -1920
1/8 770.033
Big Hole Battlefield, Montana.
Location where Logan and Bostwick were killed during the Battle of the Big Hole. Photograph by Will Cave.
1916
1/8 770.034
Ruby River Canyon, Montana.
Looking north across the Ruby River Canyon along upturned Paleozoic beds. T.95, R.3W. Madison County, Montana. Photograph by D.D. Conditt.
1916
1/9 770.035
Man with a net likely in Montana.
A man with a large butterfly net standing in a meadow. Beyond him in the distance is a rocky canyon. The location is possibly somewhere in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana. Photographer is unknown.
circa 1921 - 1923
1/9 770.036
A.B. Cook Range Near White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
A large mountain meadow surrounded by wooded hills and mountains. Photograph by K. D. Swan.
September 1927
1/9 770.037
Unidentified landscape, likely in Montana.
View of rocky mostly bare mountain with surroundings showing signs of fire and new growth. Photograph by W. R. Calvert.
1928
1/9 770.038
Beaverhead National Forest, Montana.
Beaverhead National Forest, Madison Ranger District. A view along the West Fork Madison River looking east along the National Forest boundary from a point just south of Landon Camp, SW 1/4 section 32, T123, R1W, Principal Meridian Montana. Shows rolling hills and a fence line. Photograph by K. D. Swan.
August, 1930
1/9 770.039
Beaverhead National Forest, Montana.
Divide at the head of the Ruby River. Shows rolling hills and fence line. Photograph by K. D. Swan.
August, 1930
1/9 770.040
Unidentified location, likely in Montana.
A wooded valley floor and mostly bare, rocky hill in the background. What appears to be a mining structure is visible in the trees. Photograph by F. C. Calkins.
1930
1/9 770.041
Headwaters of Camp Creek, Montana.
Headwaters of Camp Creek, south of Deerlodge National Forest. S.E. Sec. 6, T.25, R.8W. Bureau of Land Management Land, located southeast of Melrose, Montana. Photograph by Lincoln Ellison.
June 17, 1939
1/9 770.042
Henley Creek, Montana.
Jerry Creek Division Point. Sec. 6, T.1N, R.12W, one mile up Henley Creek from Johnson Creek in the Wise River Ranger District, Montana. Photograph shows flat grassy area surrounded by pine trees and aspens. Photograph by K. D. Swan.
September 13, 1945
1/9 770.043
Unidentified location, likely in Montana.
Looking from a hilltop across a small drainage and out to a vast plain beyond. Photograph by W. R. Calvert.
1948
1/9 770.044
Lake Sewell, Montana.
View from Cemetery Hill looking south over Lake Sewell where Canyon Ferry Reservoir now is. Photograph by George Grant.
April 15, 1948
1/9 770.045
Unidentified location, likely in Montana.
A large open plain with mountains in the distance. Possibly in the Deerlodge area looking toward the Pintlar Mountain Range. Photograph by Jackson.
1958
1/9 770.046
Fort Logan, Montana.
Ground level view of the Fort Logan area showing two buildings, fences and surrounding terrain. Photographer is unknown.
June 29, 1981
1/10 770.047
Bozeman area, Montana.
Freight train moving through a narrow valley. Photograph by Warren McGee.
undated
1/10 770.048
Cattle Ranch along the Salmon River, Idaho.
The Towbridge Ranch (Kenny Towbridge) surrounded by tall trees and mostly bare hills. Photograph by Warren McGee.
undated
1/10 770.049
Madison County, Montana.
Southwest from S 1/4 corner Sec. 15, T.4S, R.SW. Looking through a gap in Cretaceous and Permian sediments toward Table Mountain (andesitic flows) with the Ruby Range in the distance. Photograph by R. W. Richards.
undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Agriculture--Rocky Mountains--Photographs
  • Cities and towns--Rocky Mountains--Photographs
  • Fire ecology--Rocky Mountains
  • Freight and freightage--Rocky Mountains--Photographs
  • Mines and mineral resources--Rocky Mountains--Photographs
  • Mining camps--Rocky Mountains--Photographs
  • Plants--Effect of fires on--Rocky Mountains
  • Vegetation dynamics--Rocky Mountains

Personal Names

  • Gruell, George E.--Fire and vegetative trends in the northern Rockies

Geographical Names

  • Fort Missoula (Mont.)--Photographs
  • Fort Logan (Mont.)--Photographs
  • Idaho--Photographs
  • Montana--Photographs
  • Rocky Mountains--Photographs

Form or Genre Terms

  • Photographs