Background
The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) Wet Meadows Restoration Project is focused on improving the ecological health and function of high elevation meadows across the RGNF. When healthy, wet meadows help maintain streamflows and provide habitat for many at-risk fish species, such as the Rio Grande chub, sucker, and cutthroat trout. Over the years, these fish species have faced decline due to habitat loss, predation and competition from non-native species, wildfire, climate change, and disease. Additionally, riparian areas in the upper Rio Grande have ben impacted over time by road encroachment, development, recreation, grazing, mining, and other human activity. The North American beaver can be a valuable tool for watershed restoration as their dams have the ability to enhance aquatic habitat, improve channel function, and reestablish riparian vegetation.
This project is a partnership between the RGNF, RGHRP, and local stakeholders to harness the restoration potential of beavers to address impacts to aquatic species and riparian areas across the headwaters.
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Current Status:
The 2024 field season was a great success for both process-based restoration activities and beaver relocation.
- 31 structures installed
- 12 beaver relocated
2025 - Five sites undergoing evaluation for restoration
Beaver relocation program will continue
Project Activities
This project seeks to protect and enhance native fish populations and restore wet meadow conditions on the RGNF through the following activities:
Task 1: Habitat Characterization:
GIS modeling and ground surveys are used to characterize habitat within Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) to identify suitable locations for restoration and beaver relocation. Historic habitat qualities and hydrologic characteristics, as well as existing infrastructure and downstream water stakeholders are all considered and evaluated with help from partners such as Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Trout Unlimited, Division of Water Resources, and others!
Task 2: Habitat Restoration:
The highest priority and most impacted streams are restored with low-tech stream restoration methods. This includes installing structures made of wood, rock, and sod to slow water down, increase channel complexity, and better connect the stream to the surrounding floodplain.
Task 3: Beaver Reintroduction:
Project partners work to reintroduce beavers to suitable sites as identified in Task 1 or restored in Task 2. This effort is accomplished primarily through the trapping and relocation of nuisance beavers from the San Luis Valley floor onto these sites, where they can maintain meadow function without negatively impacting human infrastructure. Family units and breeding pairs are moved together to maximize the likelihood of permanent establishment. Beavers established at these sites create long term, self-sustaining benefits to watershed health, improving both aquatic and riparian habitat.
Task 4: Project Monitoring:
Sites are monitored annually for three years following project implementation to determine the effectiveness of the previous Tasks. Monitoring is completed by RGNF and RGHRP staff with assistance from community volunteers.