Planning for Large Scale Habitat Restoration in the Socorro Valley, New Mexico

Abstract

One initiative for large scale habitat restoration on the Rio Grande in central New Mexico is being led by a nonprofit organization, the Save Our Bosque Task Force. The Task Force has just completed a conceptual restoration plan for a 72-kilometer reach of river. The goals of the plan were to determine the potential for enhanced biological diversity through improved management of river processes. The specific river issues addressed in the plan include endangered species habitat improvement, fire management, and increased biodiversity through exotic species control and native plant establishment. Important water issues addressed by this plan include existing and potential use by the mosaic of habitats along the river and potential savings through improved management and delivery. Restoration of river processes coupled with exotic species control, bank destabilization, wetland enhancement, sand bar maintenance, grassland reestablishment, and other techniques could improve the diversity of native riparian plants on approximately 8,500 hectares of active floodplain under the jurisdiction of federal, state, local government agencies and private landowners. Areas where flooding occurs less frequently are designated as suitable for reestablishment of grasslands and more open forest/savannas. These areas are predicted to provide the greatest water savings. Restoration projects in areas where flooding occurs more frequently would focus on reestablishment and maintenance of cottonwood/willow forests of different age classes, wet meadows, and permanent wetlands. In this way, the diverse mosaic of habitat that occurred on the Rio Grande could be restored and maintained while addressing important socioeconomic issues, such as water use and fire. This plan is presently being used by water and land managers, private landowners, and other local interests to guide implementation of large scale resource management efforts.

Parent Publication

• Monitoring Science and Technology Symposium: Unifying Knowledge for Sustainability in the Western Hemisphere

Citation

Russo, Gina Dello; Najmi, Yasmeen. 2006. Planning for Large Scale Habitat Restoration in the Socorro Valley, New Mexico. In: Aguirre-Bravo, C.; Pellicane, Patrick J.; Burns, Denver P.; and Draggan, Sidney, Eds. 2006. Monitoring Science and Technology Symposium: Unifying Knowledge for Sustainability in the Western Hemisphere Proceedings RMRS-P-42CD. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 86-91