Download NAU-372 - Northern Arizona University

Award Number (for administrative use only):
PR/J Number: R747010043
PROJECT ABSTRACT
Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
(Cooperative Agreement # H1200-09-0005)
Park: Wupatki National Monument
Project Title: Hydrogeological investigations and water table monitoring at Deadman Wash
and Little Colorado River confluence area
Funding Amount: $10,000
CPCESU Partner Institution: Northern Arizona University
Principal Investigator: Dr. Abe Springer, Professor and Director, School of Earth Sciences and
Environmental Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, P.O. Box 4099, Flagstaff, AZ 86011
ph (928) 523-7198, fax (928) 523-9220; e-mail: [email protected]
NPS ATR/Key Official: Sharon Kim, Acting Chief of Natural Resources for North Central
Arizona Monuments, P.O. Box 219, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, 928-649-6195 x 226, 928-649-6198
NPS Project Manager/Subject Matter Expert: Charles Schelz, Ecologist, North Central
Arizona Monuments, 6400 N Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Start Date: August 31, 2010
End Date: December 31, 2012
Abstract: Deadman Wash, an intermittent stream in Northern Arizona, descends for
approximately 40 miles from the high elevations of the San Francisco Peaks and flows northeast
into the Little Colorado River, crossing the Coconino National Forest, Highway 89, and
Wupatki National Monument (WUPA). Most of Deadman Wash contains native vegetation
typical of intermittent riparian areas of Northern Arizona. However, at its mouth with the Little
Colorado River in Wupatki National Monument, Deadman Wash is infested with the invasive
non-native shrub/tree tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima). This infestation covers approximately
40 acres and, except for a few small patches of native willows (Salix spp.) has formed almost a
complete monoculture. This is an ecologically important riparian area that is in need of
intensive non-native control measures and active native vegetation restoration.
We are in the process of working with Dr. Thomas Whitham and the “Cottonwood
Ecology Research Group” at Northern Arizona University to plan and execute the restoration of
this area to native riparian vegetation. Our three major goals are: 1. Eliminate the tamarisk and
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other non-natives from the mouth of Deadman Wash. 2. Restore the area to native vegetation
and a naturally functioning system. 3. Experimentally determine what genotypes of
cottonwoods and willows will do best in tamarisk altered soils and a region of Northern Arizona
that is currently experiencing climate change, which is reflected in higher annual temperatures
and reduced precipitation. These goals will be accomplished by setting up a series of
experimental plots or “community gardens” that will be used to test the restorative ability of
different genotypes of native trees and shrubs (willows and cottonwoods) at this particular site.
The primary purpose of the community gardens will be to determine the most robust native
genotypes that are adapting to tamarisk altered soils and ongoing climate change. The value of
this approach is three fold. First, it combines restoration and an important scientific experiment
that allows for adaptive management. Second, it may serve as a model for future restoration
efforts in that it utilizes the natural genetic variation within species to achieve restoration that is
most cost effective. In other words, it identifies the genotypes that are most likely to survive
and thrive at specific sites rather than planting genotypes that are likely to fail and provide no
return on a restoration investment. Because establishment mortality can be very high in
restoration efforts (upwards of 90%), it is very important to identify genotypes that have the
highest survival. In order to effectively plan this important project and determine the likelihood
that native riparian vegetation replacement, an understanding of the hydrological regime is
needed.
This is a proposal to do an expedient hydrological survey of the mouth of Deadman
Wash and to install a series of wells that will allow us to determine ground water levels and
water quality throughout the area. These wells will also be used to monitor ground water levels
over the life of the project and into the future.
Keywords:
Groundwater, hydrology of riparian habitats, revegetation/restoration
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