Project Overview

Why is the Forest Service Proposing this Project?

The Forest Service has prepared an EA to analyze the potential effects of restoration activities for riparian, aquatic, and wetland activities on the Carson, Cibola, and Santa Fe National Forests and the Kiowa National Grassland. These activities are proposed to start in 2021. These common riparian, aquatic, and wetland restoration activities are used by the Forest Service and its partners to address issues on the national forests and grassland. The project is based on providing a more efficient process to accelerate project implementation that would aid in the restoration of these habitats and the recovery of riparian and aquatic species on the forest, watershed health, and water quality.

A Watershed Condition Framework analysis identified 57 percent of the subwatersheds across the three national forests as impaired or functioning at risk. Such subwatersheds receive ratings based on reduced conditions for water quality, aquatic habitat, riparian vegetation, and road and trail indicators. See the table below for more information.

There is a need to continue restoring the key ecological processes and functions for self-sustaining riparian, wetland, and aquatic ecosystems. There is also a need to increase the pace and scale of riparian, wetland, and aquatic ecosystem restoration by providing a more efficient process for implementing projects that would aid in the recovery of threatened, endangered, and sensitive species, their associated habitats, watershed health, and water quality.

Watershed Condition Framework Ratings for the Project Area

The purpose of this project is to maintain or enhance watershed and range health by restoring riparian, wetland, and associated upland and aquatic habitats; promoting species recovery and diversity; and allowing for grazing and sustainable human uses.

Project Overview Map

Next Station: Proposed Action

For more information on the Northern NM Riparian, Aquatic, and Wetland Restoration Project EA or to be added or removed from the mailing list, please contact Mr. Joshua Hall (505-438-5430, joshua.hall@usda.gov).