Bringing water back to the land

Authors: Valer Austin

Year: 2013 (xlv)

Abstract

CLO is working cross border in Arizona, and Sonora, Mexico. This area is semi-arid and receives monsoon rains in July and August. It’s possible to receive 45% of the annual rainfall in one event. Harvesting water therefore becomes an important objective. Many streams are seasonal and, depending upon the watershed, can go from dry to flooding within an hour. Historically, a large cienega (wetland) complex was found in the region (Rio San Bernardino watershed) and was a major stopping place for migrating birds and animals. By the early 1900’s these cienegas had mostly dried up, due to poor land management practices that resulted in the down-cutting of streams. CLO restoration activities are focused on both riparian and upland areas, using techniques such as trincheras, gabions, and pole-planting in riparian areas. Removal of livestock and the use of a Lawson renovator, combined with native grass seeding, is utilized in grassland restoration. When CLO began working at this site, the wetlands complex was 3% of its historic size. This project has increased the primary cienega by 85%, while additional wetlands have reestablished along the riparian areas. Five miles of surface water has been created, along with almost 2000 acres of vegetation and 8000 acres of grasslands. These results have been achieved during a decade long drought. The work CLO is doing on a regional level is a model that can be done on a global scale for climate adaptation.