Aldos Silver City • Entered by Marcia Stout on December 27, 2021
Riparian – Grazing Monitoring
December 2, 2021
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 0.5 |
| Post Admin hours | 1.5 |
| Activity Hours | 5.25 |
| Participants | 2 |
| Total Hours | 12.5 |
Key Issue: Livestock Grazing Management
Activity Type: Stewardship (monitoring, sampling, planting, etc.)
Key Partners: Gila National Forest
Landscape/area: Gila National Forest (2658321 acres)
Measurable Outcomes
Outcome 1: Trail/land monitored (1 surveys)
Outcome 2: Hiked (3 miles)
Short Description of Activity
On December 2, two Aldo’s broadband volunteers monitored a section of the Gila River birding area along the main stem of the River. A shorter section was monitored based on colder weather for river crossings. Relatively recent cattle sign was observed in a number of areas, including some bank erosion / trampling. The fence was down across Ira Canyon (with very fresh sign at that point) which would allow cattle to move at will into the exclusion areas along the river. In addition, one gate which was previously locked was no longer locked, although it was wrapped shut with a chain. These observations, including an email in addition to the survey, were reported to GNF staff.
Reflection/Evaluation
We have not heard back from staff yet concerning this and hope to do a follow-up monitoring this winter. It is more difficult to monitor this winter due to higher levels of water this year for cold water crossings. (Good monsoon season during 2021!)
Photos/Uploads
Upload 1 |
Photo Captions
1. Observing cattle sign along the main stem of the Gila River near the birding area.