In 2016, the Gunnison Climate Working Group completed its fifth year of restoring riparian areas and wet meadows in the Upper Gunnison River Basin to help the federally threatened Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus), other species and ranchers maintain their livelihoods in the face of a changing climate. Sage-grouse brood-rearing habitats, already impacted by erosion and lowered water tables, are likely to be further degraded by increasing drought and intense precipitation events, decreasing available food supplies and potentially chick survival. To address these challenges, the team built a variety of restoration structures (one rock dams, drift fences) to promote groundwater recharge along 20 stream miles within eight watersheds. Restoration structures are already improving hydrologic and ecological function of riparian areas and wet meadows. Wetland plant cover has increased an average of 160% at treated sites built in 2012. This project demonstrates simple yet effective tools that can increase resilience of meadow systems across the region.
