Comanche Creek

MOVING FORWARD

We’ve accomplished much and experienced great success in the Comanche Creek Watershed, yet there are many more miles of creek and acres of wetland to bring back to health. To support continued progress, and in-line with our principle of innovation, Quivira has supported the Wetland Action Plan for the Comanche Creek Watershed (authored by the Comanche Creek Working Group and funded by New Mexico Environment Department SWQB Wetlands Program) which is an important component of the planning process that informs future restoration work. A technical paper: Slope Wetlands Bulletin written by Bill Zeedyk and the Quivira Coalition with funds from New Mexico Environment Department SWQB Wetlands Program describes the conditions in the watershed and the techniques used to stabilize and restore these headwater wetland systems, as well as guide future restoration efforts in this and similar habitats.

Quivira is dedicated to continue to work with trout fishers, cattle herders, environmentalists, scientists, community stakeholders, and volunteers to continue the important work of stabilization and restoration of this iconic watershed.

The United States Forest Service inherited a landscape that was impacted by the heavy uses of the past. These legacy impacts included the effects of timber harvesting and subsequent construction of logging roads, mining, and livestock overgrazing – resulting in a watershed that was in a cycle of active degradation. This historical use contributed to a significant amount of soil erosion, increase in sediment load in the streams, increases in stream water temperature, and overall degradation of the riparian and wetland ecosystems.

When the U.S. Forest Service gained ownership of the Valle Vidal, and within it, the Comanche Creek Watershed, there was much to do to improve conditions and reverse the impacts of the legacy land uses. The US Forest Service implemented considerable restoration activities, including the reduction of livestock numbers from 2,500 to less than 1,000 and a shift from season-long to rotational grazing in pasture systems. Grazing management, logging road closures, and improved road drainage all had a considerable positive impact in the watershed.

Red Canyon Reserve

QUIVIRA’S ROLE

Red Canyon is a rangeland property near Magdalena, New Mexico owed by Quivira and operated as a land-based laboratory for innovative restoration techniques for an arid environment.

When we first encountered the land, it was generally in poor health with ailments typical of many small parcels of land in the arid Southwest. The problems included: sparse grass cover and low plant diversity due to poor livestock management practices; numerous deep gullies and erosion channels caused by flash flooding, made worse by the lack of vegetation and poorly designed roads; and poorly maintained fences and other infrastructure.

In order to implement solutions, we designed a management plan with a strategy for restoring land health over several years. The plan involved comprehensive monitoring, various inventories and surveys, a planned grazing program, restoration workshops, careful repair and closure of roads, and a series of steps taken to enhance the habitat for livestock, wildlife, and vegetation.

Today, we can call this effort a success. The recovery of the plants has been spectacular. The arroyos are healing. The redesigned roads don’t dry up or erode the adjacent grasslands. We regularly see not only deer and antelope, but mountain lions, javelinas, coyotes, bats, falcons, and eagles.  And we have plans to reintroduce and support some species that had been forced to move elsewhere. The land is healthier and more valuable for wildlife, livestock, and humans.

HISTORY

In early 2002, Quivira received a 320-acre tract of land in the eastern foothills of the San Mateo Mountains, south of Socorro, New Mexico. It was a surprise gift from the estate of Michael Belshaw, a former economics professor who had retired to the property.   The land was bequeathed to Quivira with the stipulation that it be “devoted to activities directed toward the preservation of the land and the wildlife, including, but not limited to, a wildlife refuge, research station, study retreat, or a demonstration ranch.”

The majestic Red Canyon bisects the property as it runs eastward from the flanks of the San Mateo Mountains toward the Rio Grande. Sierra Blanca Peak is visible through Mockingbird Gap in the Oscura Range.  Large mammals and many species of birds use the property. There is also evidence of use by Native Americans, including several archaeological sites, historic campsites and structures, and rock art along canyon walls.