Fruitland Irrigation Company (FIC) has installed a riparian restoration project, to replace wetland and riparian habitat lost due to piping open canal and tunnels in or near Gunnison sage-grouse habitat along Fruitland Mesa south west of Crawford, CO. The restoration site is an unnamed tributary to Iron Creek at the inlet of the Gould Reservoir, in unoccupied Gunnison sage-grouse habitat at the transition zone between high shrubland and Pinyon-Juniper habitat. Techniques used to restore the site include installation of one-rock dams and log structures (e.g., “Zeedyke structures”), managed grazing, Tamarisk removal, and riparian plantings. Successes and challenges will be discussed, including partnerships and community collaboration. As irrigation piping projects become more common along Colorado’s western slope, wildlife habitat site mitigation is increasingly important.
Major take-aways:
Recommended shrubs, forbes, and watering regime for wet meadow restoration in mid to high elevation semi-arid environments
Zeedyke structure types and installation methods
Community engagement tips
Habitat mitigation requirements for Salinity Control Program-funded piping projects are creating a number of habitat sites in the North Fork of the Gunnison River valley
RiversEdge West's
mission is to advance the restoration of riparian lands through collaboration, education, and technical assistance.
