Bone Creek
Bone Creek begins in the hills above the valley between the benches north of Eastend. There are two springs close to each other on this part of the continental divide with the south spring flowing into Conglomerate Creek and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. The northernmost spring grows to become Bone Creek and joins the waterways that make their way to the Hudson's Bay.
As with all our waterways in the southwest, Bone Creek was of vital importance to the pioneers, as a source of water for man and animal. This charming creek remains a life blood to those along its banks as well as all those who live downstream.
Bone Creek was stocked with both fish and beaver by the government in the early 1900's. The fish stocking has created a recreational resource, while the beaver have had a more checkered history. Beaver were not native to this area and have created a major problem within the creek system. The damming of the streams changed the habitat and caused localized flooding with destruction of stream banks, loss of forbs and trees as well as fish.
Landscape view of Bone Creek riparian area
Springs like this one feed Bone Creek from beginning to end
With beaver living in the creek, the stream bank area becomes wider and more like a wetland with dense vegetation
With beaver living in the creek, the stream bank area becomes wider and more like a wetland with dense vegetation
Damage to stream banks from beaver dams causes erosion and loss of willows, shrubs and grasses
