Springs Monitoring at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: 2024
Ormand E, Schnaubelt E, McIntyre C , Hubbard A . 2026. Springs Monitoring at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: 2024. Science Report. NPS/SR—2026/447. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2318585
The Sonoran Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network monitors two springs each year at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico. We assess the condition of the site, measure spring discharge and wetted extent (area that contained water), collect core water quality and water chemistry data, note the wetland plants and invasive plants and animals present, and sample for environmental DNA (eDNA) to inventory springs for rare species, invasive species, and pathogens. Each spring is somewhat unique, and New Mexico has not adopted water quality standards that apply across the diversity of springs in the state. Therefore, we continue to collect water quality data at the springs to form a baseline reference of natural variance. We did not detect any of our eDNA target organisms at the springs in 2024. Cliff Dweller Canyon Spring is under the base of a large overhanging rhyolite cliff and is well-shaded by the cliff and a dense riparian forest. The spring had water during our visit in 2024, and the temperature sensor indicated it was wet all year. There were no invasive plants or animals and no wetland plants at the site. Discharge was within the range of prior measurements but on the low end, and pools and the wetted channel were smaller than in past years. Hubbard’s Bog has four main pools thick with sedges, willows, and other riparian plants. The site was wet when we visited in 2024, and the temperature sensor indicated it was wet all year. As in past years, water did not surface at the upper orifice in 2024, and the springbrook was shallower than observed in previous measurements. There was evidence of the 2011 Miller Fire, including charred and fallen trees. There were no invasive animals, but there were a few scattered patches of common mullein (invasive plant), similar to previous years. Wetland plants included monkeyflower, rushes, sedges, spikerush, and willow.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Ormand, Elora; Schnaubelt, Elizabeth; McIntyre, Cheryl; Hubbard, Andy
- Date of Issue
- 2026-06
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2318585
- Units
- GICL , NRSS , SODN
- Keywords
- discharge, eDNA, invasive species, monitoring, monitoring report, springs, springs monitoring, water chemistry, wetland plants
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Water | Hydrology | Surface Water Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Water Chemistry , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Invasive Species | Invasive/Exotic plants , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Invasive Species | Invasive/Exotic animals , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Wetland Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Freshwater Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Amphibians and Reptiles