2018 GIS in the Rockies: Riparian Shrub Assessment of the Mancos River Canyon Mesa Verde National Park
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The document discusses the mapping of riparian shrubs along the Mancos River for better management and restoration decisions in Mesa Verde National Park. It highlights the decline of the riparian zone due to factors like cattle trespassing, and presents findings on shrub species and their distribution. Recommendations include reversing water table decline and monitoring beaver populations to support restoration efforts.
2018 GIS in the Rockies: Riparian Shrub Assessment of the Mancos River Canyon Mesa Verde National Park
- 1. MAPPING RIPARIAN SHRUBS OF THE MANCOS RIVER: MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK Angela Yragui Geoscientists in the Parks GIS Technician/Biological Technician
- 2. Mesa Verde National Park
- 4. Why should we care about the Mancos River?
- 6. Degradation of the Riparian Zone Trespassing Cattle in Mancos River Canyon, July 1992
- 9. Why did we map riparian shrubs? • Fill a research need o Make better-informed management and restoration decisions
- 10. Mancos River: Suitable beaver habitat? Diagram Credit: Emily Fairfax
- 11. Field Methods • Field Protocol • Trimble Juno SB o created a data dictionary • Recorded species, height, cover class
- 15. Two Other Willow Species Identified Salix lucida lasiandra (Pacific Willow) Salix ligulifolia (Strapleaf Willow)
- 16. Results
- 17. Beavers!
- 20. 65% 24% 11% Area by Species Coyote Willow Buffaloberry Skunkbush Coyote Willow 12.58 acres Buffaloberry 4.60 acres Skunkbush 2.23 acres
- 21. Examining the Data by Cover Class
- 23. 72% decrease in acreage of Riparian Zone Historic Riparian Zone based on LANDFIRE predicted vegetation data
- 25. Recommendations • Reverse the lowering of the water table o Install Beaver Dam Analogs • Establish minimum flow standards with upstream neighbors • Map opposite side of the river • Study Beavers that are currently occupying the Mancos River o Response to low flows o Periodically monitor current beaver dams and response to next year’s peak flows
- 26. Thank you • Tova Spector • The Vegetation Crew (Kevin, James, Matt, Julia) • Marilyn Colyer • George San Miguel • Steve Monroe • Wade Newman • Dustin Kane • Sheldon Baker