Prioritization of Riparian Restoration Projects in the Kawuneeche Valley at Rocky Mountain National Park Using Wildlife Exclusion Fencing
Cooper D. 2008. Prioritization of Riparian Restoration Projects in the Kawuneeche Valley at Rocky Mountain National Park Using Wildlife Exclusion Fencing. Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO. Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship
Wetland and riparian areas in the Kawunechee Valley have been impacted mainly by two processes, (1) dewatering by the Grand River Ditch, and (2) heavy browsing by elk and moose. Dewatering has lowered river stage in summer and reduced the opportunity for willow establishment on stream point bars because the summer water table drops sharply disconnecting willow seedlings from the water table (Woods and Cooper 2005). Because stream stage and water table dynamics impacts from the Grand Ditch limit willow establishment on river bars, the main pathway for willow establishment now is on beaver formed landscapes.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Cooper, David
- Date of Issue
- 2008-06
- Units
- ROMO
- Keywords
- Dewatering, heavy browsing, Riparian Habitat, Ungulates, Wetland