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Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience of Wet Meadow Riparian Habitats

 
 
link DOWNLOAD FILE: REPORT
Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience of Wetland/Riparian Habitats in the Upper Gunnison Basin: Phase II
 
 
The Gunnison Climate Working Group completed the first phase of an on-the-ground pilot adaptation project designed to build resilience of wet meadows and riparian habitats to help the Gunnison Sage-grouse and other wildlife species adapt to a changing climate. These areas are critical for brood-rearing habitat for the Sage-grouse and provide important habitat for a number of other wildlife species, but are vulnerable to drying out with increasing temperatures and decreasing and earlier stream runoff. We used innovative yet simple restoration methods –small rock structures – to raise the water table to support wet-loving plants needed by the grouse to raise their young. Field crews, volunteers, ranchers and students built over 200 rock structures along 10 stream miles raise the water table to support wet-loving plants and insects needed by the grouse to raise their young. Structures are already capturing sediments, spreading water and providing habitat for wet loving plants to expand.

Citation:
The Nature Conservancy and the Gunnison Climate Working Group. 2013. Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience of Wetland/Riparian Habitats in the Upper Gunnison Basin. Report to Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District. 18 pp. plus Appendices.

Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience of Wet Meadow/Riparian Habitats Report Appendices
         A.     Project Maps
         B.     Restoration Structures List | Document
         C.     Drift Fence Specifications
         D.     Vegetation Monitoring Report | Attachment 
         E.     Geomorphological Monitoring Report
         F.     Project Photos
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