Restoration on the Upper Gila River: Lessons Learned in a Critical Riparian Zone
Bethany Drahota1*, Melanie Tluczek2, Steve Plath3
1 Gila Watershed Partnership of Arizona, Safford, AZ, USA; bethany@gwpaz.org
2 Gila Watershed Partnership of Arizona, Safford, AZ, USA; melanie@gwpaz.org
3 Gila Watershed Partnership of Arizona, Safford, AZ, USA; steve.plath@gwpaz.org
Tamarisk (Tamarisk chinensis) is a non-native plant that was originally introduced to the southwest as a form of erosion control. Tamarisk occupies riparian zones and is known for growing in dense monocultures that have strong impacts on ecosystem balance as well as hydrologic functions. Within the Upper Gila Restoration project area dense stands of tamarisk have outcompeted much of the native riparian cover. This project is an effort to re-establish native habitat conditions for sensitive wildlife species, primarily the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). Restoration in this area is critical, as the tamarisk leaf beetle (Diorhabda spp.) is rapidly expanding its territory and threatens to remove important nesting habitat for flycatchers before native tree species have a chance to regenerate into viable nesting areas. To mitigate this, our work focuses on removing tamarisk stands and tamarisk re-sprouts within critical riparian zones, and replacing stands with native vegetation. The Gila Watershed is one of only two areas with flycatchers present where active habitat alteration is permitted, and as such, we have a strong emphasis on adaptive management. This kind of management is often dictated by challenges and lessons learned in the field, and the Upper Gila Watershed is no different. Monitoring for sensitive species and the results of our restoration work has provided numerous lessons that are being integrated into the planning process.