the green line Online

In June 2006, an interdisciplinary team performed a proper functioning condition (PFC) assessment on a section of La Jara Creek located on BLM public lands. The area was chosen as a riparian reference site for a La Jara Creek watershed assessment document, and it was determined that this riparian area was in a proper functioning state. In September 2006, it was discovered that heavy equipment had excavated along both banks of the stream on public lands, and rock structures had been placed in the stream. Stream channel material had been removed from the stream and riparian vegetation had been removed and piled. The area spiraled from a proper functioning reference site to a highly fragile stream with little bank protection. BLM and Forest Service staff from the San Luis Valley Public Lands Center, Colorado BLM State Office staff, and other interested parties documented and assessed the damage resulting from this trespass. Following negotiations with Roberto Martinez, Field Office Manager/District Ranger and Jeremiah Martinez, Natural Resource Specialist for the BLM, the trespasser (a nearby private landowner) settled with the BLM for a sum total of $46,000. The settlement funds will be used to restore this area to its pre-disturbed condition. The majority of streambank vegetation prior to the trespass consisted of alder trees. After the trespass, alder removal left areas where coyote willow and narrowleaf cottonwood could be planted along La Jara Creek. On private lands adjacent to the trespass area, coyote willow and narrowleaf cottonwood are prominent. By planting narrowleaf cottonwood and coyote willow in the disturbed areas, the BLM hopes a multi-story canopy of riparian vegetation will develop along La Jara Creek. The multi-story canopy would provide a range of vertical ecological niches for song birds, as well as preferred habitat for the Southwestern willow flycatcher and the yellow-billed cuckoo. Future work will consist of removing many of the large slash piles from the area, loosening dirt compacted by heavy equipment, and preventing the spread of noxious weeds into the disturbed area. BLM also worked with the trespass party on constructing a wildlife friendly fence on the uplands in order to protect the disturbed area from nearby trespass cattle pressure, ensuring that new vegetation is given the best opportunity to thrive. BLM recently received payment for the trespass and hopes to start restoring the area along the stream early in 2008.

Posted on September 24, 2007.

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