Remarkable Restoration!

Water Team
Report for October 2011

 

Something remarkable is happening in the riparian streambed
of the Agua Fria River (AFR) in the ½-mile reach from EZ Ranch to the Riverbend
kiosk.

For the 20 or so years that I have observed this part of the river I would characterize it as heavily impacted.  Typical findings included: large patches of bare soil; sparse groundcover; poor retention of runoff, sediment, or organic matter; and a down-cut channel.  While there was a nice line of old cottonwood trees on the upper banks, there were few successional trees.  Innumerable tire tracks ravaged the river banks and especially the main channel.  Water-based habitat was scarce, and there were even fewer signs of wildlife in the water or the river corridor.  It was not a very attractive place to visit.

The situation has changed considerably, at least since June 2011.  What’s different now?

On outings in September and October, 2011 to document the condition of the river I was immediately struck by the height and density of vegetation that is replacing the bare patches of soil.  Now there actually is a bit of water in the stream, and it flows in about ¾ of the reach. I saw frogs and small fish.  There are many 2-foot-high eedlings of cottonwood.  In places, the clover and seep willow reach over my head.  The water flows clear and there is little algae present.  Organic materials such as twigs, leaves, and bark are being captured by the numerous cottonwood seedlings and variety of shrubs.

Doe browsing on restored forage (Photo by Tim Flood)

Walking up the streambed I observed a great blue heron spearing a fish, a browsing wary doe that I observed for a couple of minutes, a red-tailed hawk arising from the riverbed, and three young javelina resting on the stream bank.  The lowland leopard frogs were about 1 inch long, indicative of having hatched late in this season.  Just downstream of the kiosk the streambed is also densely vegetated.  The frogs are
larger there in the marshy area, and I observed a squawky belted kingfisher, and a soaring zone-tailed hawk.

Great Blue Heron (Photo by Tim Flood)

 

So, why the transformation?

I attribute these marvelous changes to the BLM’s recent placement of fence along the road.  This fence keeps vehicles from entering the channel and is allowing the river bed to restore itself in spectacular fashion.  Frankly, I didn’t think we’d see any changes so quickly. But, to those Friends who have hiked with us on our FAFNM “Walk and Talk” in this reach during the past two years I recommend that they see it now themselves.

The BLM’s fencing project is returning something valuable to the Monument and the local community. The streambed is different now, and in a good way.  I somewhat bemoan the loss OHV recreation in this corridor, but I see that the fence is producing a remarkable restoration of valuable local asset.  This streambed and river channel is a resource that folks, local or otherwise, can be proud of.  BLM is to be applauded for this work and for protecting this important riparian resource for all to enjoy.

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