River Restoration
Riparian, or streamside, habitats are rare in New Mexico, but their importance to the health of the land cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, because riparian areas are always part of a larger tract of trust land, they are often managed as part of the surrounding upland areas. For riparian areas, this can result in an increase in soil erosion, an increase in run-off damage, and deterioration in wildlife habitat. In addition, less moisture penetrates the ground, and less water is available during dry periods.
The "River Angels" program has been in existence for four years and was introduced as part of the Santa Fe River restoration project. More than 675 students have participated in activities at the Santa Fe River. Most recently the project has expanded to Silver City, where students are implementing watershed health activities at the Maudes Canyon project. Students in Silver City, like those in Santa Fe, have helped plant grass seed, develop a pedestrian trail, and identify native plants at Maudes Canyon. Students contributed to wildlife enhancement components at the site by piling brush for small mammals and birds. They also helped prevent erosion by placing brush in areas susceptible to sediment loss.
Students from a local Santa Fe elementary school gather mulch for plants on the river bank..
The State Land Office is responsible not only for managing trust lands to generate income today, but for taking care of the lands so they generate income in the future. With just 13 field district resource managers to monitor activities under 3,500 leases, the State Land Office must develop a cooperative working relationship with the lessees and rely on the users to care for and to protect the land.
Boulders are used to reduce erosion by slowing down the flow of the river.