Invasive Phreatophyte Removal in the Animas River Watershed: Community-based Stewardship
Amanda Kuenzi1*
1Mountain Studies Institute, Durango, CO, USA, amanda@mountainstudies.org
The “Animas River Removal and Replacement of Invasive Phreatophytes” project is now in Phase 2. This collaborative effort between Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) and the Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) pursues the goals to: improve riparian ecology and biodiversity by reducing invasive phreatophytes (primarily Russian olive, but also tamarisk) and seed sources; improve wildlife habitat; enhance recreation access; protect water quality and supply; and empower stewards and volunteers to achieve ecological restoration. Our objectives were to: build relationships with landowners who have invasive phreatophytes on their parcels in order to gain permission for treatment; create an education and tree replacement incentive program to empower ecological restoration in the region; apply Integrated management to 300-350 acres to improve riparian vegetation and wildlife habitat for new treatment; and monitor/re-treat 150 acres to achieve 75% reduction or better in phreatophytes and seed sources. Treatments occurred on private property, City of Durango, and tribal parcels within the 32-mile stretch of the Animas River corridor and floodplain between Baker’s Bridge and the Colorado border with New Mexico. Treatments also extended along powerline ROW’s, irrigation ditches, and other features. Our project has been widely successful, reaching over 70 private landowners, as well as working with partners at the City of Durango and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. We continue to actively work towards our goals, recognizing that a longer-term effort is needed to eradicate invasive phreatophytes and build climate resilience for the riparian woodlands and wetlands of the Animas River watershed.