Publication

Restoration Analysis and Recommendations for the Velarde Reach of the Middle Rio Grande, NM

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Parametrix%20et%20al_2011_Restoration%20Analysis%20and%20Recommendations%20for%20the%20Velarde%20Reach%20of%20the%20MRG%2C%20NM.pdf

Date: 2011/01/01

Author(s): Parametrix

Publication: Prepared for Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Act Collaborative Program. Prepared by Parametrix, 383 p.

Abstract:

Parametrix was funded by the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Act Collaborative Program (Program) in Fiscal Year 2007 to assess the potential for restoring habitat in segments of the Rio Grande watershed in northern New Mexico for two federally endangered species: the Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) and the Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). The study area for this report includes the Rio Grande from Taos Junction Bridge downstream to the northern boundary of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, and the Rio Chama from Christ in the Desert Monastery downstream to the western boundary of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (excluding Abiquiu Lake; see Exhibit 1-1). This upper portion of the Rio Grande watershed in New Mexico has been generically referred to by the Program as the Velarde Reach.

The primary objectives of this project included:

• Gathering existing data, reports, and Geographic Information System (GIS) layers relevant to the project reach.
• Evaluating current conditions in the project reach through review, analysis, and synthesis of existing data, reports, and other pertinent information.
• Performing site visits and landowner meetings to better understand habitat restoration opportunities and land management issues in the project area.
• Identifying physical, biological, jurisdictional, and managerial constraints to habitat conditions and restoration potential in various segments of the project reach.
• Utilizing this information to recommend restoration approaches and identify potential project locations where habitat restoration may be most attainable.
• Developing conceptual-level restoration recommendations, including both active and passive restoration approaches.
• For active restoration approaches, developing conceptual level project designs and cost estimates.
• Developing monitoring criteria and adaptive management recommendations for proposed restoration projects.
• Identifying data gaps and research and monitoring needs.
• Organizing existing and new GIS data into a consolidated GeoDatabase for use by the Program.