Activity Report Explorer

Aldos Silver City • Entered by Marcia Stout on October 3, 2023

Riparian – Grazing Monitoring

September 5, 2023 – September 30, 2023

Key Issue: Livestock Grazing Management
Activity Type: Stewardship (monitoring, sampling, planting, etc.)
Key Partners: Gila National Forest
Landscape/area: Gila National Forest (2658321 acres)

Measurable Outcomes

Outcome 1: Trail/land monitored (3 surveys)
Outcome 2: Trail/land monitored (1 emails)
Outcome 3: Hiked (15.5 miles)[/if 1231]

Short Description of Activity

The Aldo’s Broadband Riparian Grazing Monitoring Team conducted two monitoring trips in Sept. 2023. On Sept. 5th, four members engaged in a memorable all day monitoring trip to the headwater area of the East Fork of the Gila River, led by Gila Natl. Forest (GNF) Hydrologist Carolyn Koury with staff member Liz Sorrels. After driving down a problematic road through a strikingly beautiful canyon, we first surveyed the Beaver Creek exclosure on foot. We were encouraged by observing plenty of fresh bear sign but no cattle sign in this outstanding niche. Then we drove to the Wall Lake area and parked across the road to monitor the Minnow 2 Exclosure along Taylor Creek on foot. We did observe and report some recent cattle sign but did not see cattle. Use of “electronic cattle tags” is being tested in this area. One GOB member observed trespass cattle along Cameron Creek in Fort Bayard (GNF). This was reported to the Silver City Ranger District and the District Ranger responded in a few days that the cattle had been removed. Four team members monitored near the Gila River Birding area, beginning at Pancho Canyon then going downstream. While we did see some fairly recent cattle tracks, we did not observe any cattle. Fence was down at Pancho Canyon/ Gila River and was reported.

Reflection/Evaluation

The trip with the GNF Hydrologist was a valuable opportunity to access intriguing priority canyons above the East Fork. Although the Hydrologist observed some riparian condition changes probably indicative of drought, we were fortunate to experience the impressive “sedge forest/ meadow” within the Beaver Creek exclosure. This is indeed a very special canyon within GNF. When parking near Wall Lake we observed that the “lake” is now filled in with sediment after the Black Fire. This day trip was more than worth the length of time it took, given we now know how to access the Minnow 2 exclosure for future monitoring and experienced the Beaver Creek area. It also reflects good relationship and communication with our GNF liaison. GNF staff also observed the downed Pancho Canyon/ Gila River fence and contacted the adjacent private land owner regarding corrective actions.

Photos/Uploads

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Photo Captions

1. Monitoring along Taylor Creek – Minnow 2 Exclosure on Sept. 5th.
2. Arriving at Beaver Creek Exclosure to monitor: GNF Hydrologist provides background information regarding the exclosure to our group (Sept. 5th)
3. “Luxurious Sedge walk” in Beaver Creek Exclosure – Sept. 5th
4. Trekking toward Beaver Creek Exclosure – Sept. 5th