Five Years of Vegetation Changes Following Riparian Restoration in New Mexico

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Presentation to the New Mexico Native Plant Society Annual Meeting, 2013. From 2007-2009 riparian restoration work on impaired waterways in New Mexico included invasive species removal and native species plantings. After five years, I revisit a selection of restored streams to evaluate seedling survival and restoration success.

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Streamside Vegetation ChangesFollowing Riparian Restoration

Special Thanks:

Santa Feelevation: 6800’

(Bicentennial Park to Agua Fria Park)

• Urban stream restoration: flashy floods from impervious watershed

• Low water supply: most diverted to city use• Restoration in 2008 and 2009• Large, damaging flood in summer 2009

2009

2013

2009

2013

2009

2013

Bluewaterelevation: 7400’

• Forested (pinon, ponderosa) watershed• Heavily grazed• Recreation

• Restoration 2009-2010

2009

2013

2009

2013

2009

2013

2009

2013

La Jenciaelevation: 5500’

• Flashy, 300 square mile watershed • Perennial flow from springs• Restoration 2007-2010• “100-year floods” in 2006 and 2009 = rapid geomorphic change

2008

2009

2013

2013

2008

2013

The End

2013

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