Environmental Assessment, Watershed Restoration in Degraded Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands: A Demonstration Project
Bandelier National Monument. 1996. Environmental Assessment, Watershed Restoration in Degraded Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands: A Demonstration Project. Bandelier National Monument. Los Alamos, NM
Results from ongoing experimental work at Bandelier suggest recovery of degraded pinyon-juniper woodlands is possible through the application of a coordinated woody overstory thinning/ slash mulching/ seeding restoration treatment. Testing of this restoration treatment at a small plot scale has produced compelling results relative to both pre-treatment condition and to controls; after only two growing seasons, seven-fold increases in overstory herbaceous (grass and forb) coverage were observed. Validation of the small scale experimental results, at functional ecosystem (i.e. watershed) scales, is necessary to ensure the ecological response is sufficient to control erosional processes and stabilize cultural resources. This demonstration project will enable the park to assess both the feasibility of large scale restoration efforts as well as provide educational opportunities for the public to learn about restoration of degraded lands.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Bandelier National Monument
- Date of Issue
- 1996-11-25
- Publisher
- Bandelier National Monument
- Units
- BAND
- Keywords
- Juniper, pinyon pines, Plant Communities, Plant Studies, Soil Erosion, Watershed Restoration