Conservation Planning along the Colorado River in Utah
Background and Introduction
Summary
The National Park Service (NPS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are conducting coordinated conservation actions along the Colorado River corridor in Utah to enhance resource conditions and related societal values associated with this iconic riverine ecosystem. Since the late 19 th century, riverine ecosystems throughout much of western North America have been altered through the introduction of nonnative plant and fish species, water withdrawals, flow regulation by dams, and many other human activities. Riparian vegetation in the project area currently is undergoing rapid change as extensive stands of nonnative tamarisk ( Tamarix spp., the dominant woody plant in the river corridor) are being impacted [...]
Summary
The National Park Service (NPS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are conducting coordinated conservation actions along the Colorado River corridor in Utah to enhance resource conditions and related societal values associated with this iconic riverine ecosystem. Since the late 19 th century, riverine ecosystems throughout much of western North America have been altered through the introduction of nonnative plant and fish species, water withdrawals, flow regulation by dams, and many other human activities. Riparian vegetation in the project area currently is undergoing rapid change as extensive stands of nonnative tamarisk ( Tamarix spp., the dominant woody plant in the river corridor) are being impacted by expanding populations of the tamarisk leaf beatle ( Diorhabda elongata) which was first released in this region in 2005. Rapid changes in tamarisk populations, associated changes in geomorphic conditions and plant community characteristics (including an influx of additional exotic plant species), and increasing uncertainty about effects of climate change and societal water demands on future flow regimes have resulted in heightened concern about how to most effectively protect or restore resource values along the river corridor. NPS, TNC, and BLM have collectively identified a need for science-based technical support in planning, coordinating, and implementing prioritized conservation actions that will achieve maximum benefits to riverine resources and societal values with limited financial and human resources. The U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center (USGS FORT) has been selected to provide this technical support because of FORT’s recognized scientific expertise and credibility in the ecology of riverine ecosytems. This work represents Phase I of the conservation planning process.
