GSS Returns to New Mexico

In mid-April, Andy Robertson and Zack Ansell spent a week in northern New Mexico, reviewing wetland data as part of the New Mexico Mapping update project. The main objective of this trip was to look at the past wetland mapping, especially in the major river corridors, as the project's current focus is updating floodplain mapping and narrow linear habitat connections. They also explored how some of the wetland landscapes have changed due to restoration projects. While in the field, Andy and Zack spent time with wetland staff from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Wetland Coordinator, as well as project partners from the non-profits Rio Grande Return and Amigos Bravos.

The team started out in Santa Fe, headed north to Taos, and continued towards the Cruces Basin Wilderness Area. They then turned east to Clayton, near the Texas border, and worked south, down to Ute Reservoir, before heading west along the Canadian River back towards Santa Fe. All together, they traveled roughly a 2,000 mile loop. Highlights of the trip included seeing the impacts of restoration work in high-elevation wetlands, and how quickly water regimes can change as a result. For example, beaver dam analog restoration sites showed many benefits, not only for wildlife and water quality but also for local agricultural communities.